1925 Bentley 3/4.5 Litre Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: NK 9610
Chassis No: 916
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Owned by the vendor, a former chairman of the Benjafields Racing Club, since 1987

- Winner of the 'Spirit of the Rally' award on the 1st Historic Monte Carlo Challenge in 1990

- Original engine uprated to 4.5 Litre specification by Tim Abbott Engineering of Northampton, current VdP-style coachwork for decades

'Recipe: take a good 3-litre Bentley chassis, mix in a good 4.5-litre engine, gearbox and transmission and add a light body with accessories to taste. The result is a motor car which, while still retaining a good vintage flavour, possesses a performance equalled by few other machines even of the most modern and expensive type' (Captain J.G. Fry, The Autocar May 14th 1943).

Beginning life as a Standard Model 3 Litre, chassis 916 was first registered as 'NK 9610' by Hertfordshire County Council on March 2nd 1925. Order with a special 'Le Mans' type radiator and initially fitted with All Weather Tourer coachwork by James Young, the Bentley's first owner - Tinsley Waterhouse Esq. of Hanover Square, London W1 - was no stranger to powerful open cars having been awarded a Silver Medal on the 1914 Alpine Trial for his performance aboard a Vauxhall 25hp.

An accompanying copy of the car's factory service record shows that it belonged to second keeper James Richmond Esq. of Green Hollow near Gravesend from 1926 until at least 1939. Surviving World War Two, the Bentley had migrated to Sheffield and the custodianship of ex-serviceman Ralph Hathin Canter Esq. by 1948. Subsequently known to have passed through the hands of Sidney Thomas Bailey Esq., Abbeydale Autos, Angel Motors, Dr Edward Brian Garner, Frank Philemon Sykes Esq., Tom Morton Esq., I. Stirling Esq and G. Templeman Esq., the 3 Litre had acquired its current Vanden Plas-style coachwork by the time that the late Stanley Mann advertised it for sale in the August 1983 issue of Thoroughbred & Classic Cars magazine.

Entering the current ownership some four years later, the Bentley has been enjoyed on numerous rallies and tours. Awarded the 'Spirit of the Rally' Cup on the 1st Monte Carlo Challenge in 1990, 'NK 9610' has since had its original engine (number 927) enlarged to 4.5 litre specification using a new block by marque specialist Tim Abbott Engineering of Northampton. A former chairman of Benjafield's Racing Club, the vendor had fellow member and Bentley enthusiast Philip Strickland inspect the 3/4.5 Litre earlier this year. Extracts from Mr Strickland's report are reproduced below:

ENGINE: New block but retains its original early split sump crankcase and cam-chest. Uprated with CAV co-axial starter, twin distributors, upright SU carburettors (x2), lightweight 'dinner plate' flywheel, modern Borg and Beck diaphragm clutch, Serck 'A' film radiator core and SU electric fuel pump etc. Correct small capacity water pump. Additional non-standard cut-out and ancillary fuse box mounted on original bulkhead.

STEERING: Numbered as 913 and appears original to the car

CHASSIS: This 10ft 10in wheelbase frame appears to have the correct numbering (916) in the right positions and looks to be totally original, with side rail stringers retained, being an average of 3/16th inches thickness (correct). Some 230 of these frames were delivered with varying body styles.

FRONT AXLE: Seems to be original but too thickly painted for any numbers to be discerned.

REAR AXLE: Upgraded with a heavy but un-burstable 8 Litre assembly which felt on a brief road test to have a 3.53:1 ratio fitted (15/53) plus a non-standard constant velocity propshaft of 8 Litre pattern

BODYWORK: Vanden Plas-style four-seater open tourer. Ash frame panelled in aluminium. The stampings on the bonnet are correct and apparently original. Original pattern steering wheel. Correct and apparently original switch plate. All instruments function correctly. It has the unusual addition of an Autovac primed fuel gauge (to read one pumps the instrument to create pressure in the tank sender unit). Hidden additional switches for electric Kenlowe fan and indicators.

BRAKES: Uprated "Alfin" brake drums all round. Original Perrot shafts.

SHOCK ABSORBERS: Andre Hartford friction dampers front and rear (possibly original pattern).

GEARBOX: Unable to ascertain whether the gearbox fitted was original to the car but it has the correct number sequence on the casting of L1598 on case and lid. It is of the correct "B" type and was satisfactory to operate.

DRIVING: I had a very brief five mile run in cold conditions. Clutch operation satisfactory, as was gear change, although with the light flywheel and modern clutch it was necessary to fully disengage the clutch before a silent change could be achieved. The ride was very comfortable. Engine started instantly using floor mounted starter button and was very quiet with strong pull from low revs. Water temperature remained very cool at 50 degrees. Oil pressure was 30-40psi at tick over and ran constantly at 60 plus on the run.

OVERALL: This is a clean, leak-free pleasant car with mostly matching numbers. The car has been well used by the highly experienced present owner who has competed with it in numerous rallies where the car has never let him down.
All Bentleys are renowned for their great durability, strength and power. It ought to be possible to undertake long journeys at full legal speeds with total confidence in a car such as this.

Having successfully completed the 120-mile Welland Valley Wander last year, 'NK 9610' has nonetheless just been treated to a thorough service and five brand new Blockley tyres. Only being offered for sale due to personal mobility issues, the vendor is keen for a new owner to have as much fun with this appealing 3/4.5 Litre as he has had. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, copy factory service record, Tim Abbott Engineering information and sundry paperwork.