• The last 3-Litre Speed Model produced
• Originally bodied by Vanden Plas
• Ownership history on file
• Present ownership since 2003
• Little used in recent years
• Requires recommissioning

W O Bentley proudly unveiled the new 3-litre car bearing his name on Stand 126 at the 1919 Olympia Motor Exhibition, the prototype engine having fired up for the first time just a few weeks earlier. Bentley's four-cylinder 'fixed head' engine incorporated a single overhead camshaft, four-valves per cylinder and a bore/stroke of 80x149mm. Twin ML magnetos provided the ignition and power was transmitted via a four-speed gearbox with right-hand change. The pressed-steel chassis started off with a wheelbase of 9' 9½", then adopted dimensions of 10' 10" ('Standard Long') in 1923, the shorter frame being reserved for the TT Replica and subsequent Speed Model. Rear wheel brakes only were employed up to 1924 when four-wheel Perrot-type brakes were introduced.

In only mildly developed form, this was the model that was to become a legend in motor racing history and which, with its leather-strapped bonnet, classical radiator design and British Racing Green livery, has become the archetypal Vintage sports car. Early success in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, when Bentleys finished 2nd, 4th and 5th to take the Team Prize, led to the introduction of the TT Replica (later known as the Speed Model and identified by the Red Label on its radiator ) on the existing 9' 9½" wheelbase, short standard chassis. Bentley had made approximately 1,600 3-Litre models when production ceased in 1929, the majority of which was bodied by Vanden Plas with either open tourer or saloon coachwork.

The car offered here, chassis number 'DN 1739', is the last Speed Model produced and was originally completed with coachwork by Vanden Plas. The VdP body was replaced in 1933 with the drophead coupé coachwork by Carville that the car carries to this day. The Bentley's first owner was a Major Bainbridge, and on file is a hand-written list of known subsequent custodians: 11 in number including our vendor, who purchased the car from Mr David Webster on 30th June 2003. The advertisement stated that the car had just competed the Welsh Rally (480 miles) and the BDC Scottish Whit Weekend (850 miles) reportedly without missing a beat. The car had also done the Portugal Rally the previous year.

The Bentley has seen relatively little use in recent years and will require recommissioning before further use. The car is offered with a copy Bentley service records; an old-style continuation logbook issued in 1963; the 2003 purchase agreement; an old-style V5C Registration Certificate (to be re-applied for); and the aforementioned list of owners.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.