Lot details
Registration No: YP 5032
Chassis No: RT1537
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

"It was not the means whereby the 3-Litre Bentley performed, but the manner in which it did it, that endeared the car to sportsmen who took pride in their driving. The engine was remarkably flexible, strong and reliable, the gear ratios admirably chosen, the handling excellent and the quality unremittingly high. So, also, was the price, but an ever-growing reputation, augmented by striking racing victories - including the Le Mans 24 hours of 1924 and 1927 - ensured its success" ('Classic Sports Cars' by Cyril Posthumus and David Hodges).

A railway engineering apprentice turned aero engine designer, Walter Owen Bentley previewed his first creation, the immortal 3-Litre, at the October 1919 London Motor Show (though, he would not deem it production ready for another two years). Inspired by a 1914 Humber TT racer, the newcomer's ladder-frame chassis was equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and rear-wheel drum brakes (four-wheel brakes becoming the norm from 1924 onwards). The car's heart and most advanced feature was its 2996cc engine. A long-stroke four-cylinder (80mm x 149mm) that prioritized torque over top-end power, it boasted a five-bearing crankshaft, shaft-driven overhead camshaft, monobloc construction, twin ignition, four valves per cylinder and aluminium pistons.

Developing between 65bhp and 88bhp, the unit was allied to a separate four-speed gate-change gearbox. Supplied in bare chassis guise only, albeit with a choice of wheelbase lengths and engine tune, the 3-Litre remained in production until 1929 by which time some 1,621 are thought to have been made. As well as its two Le Mans victories, the Bentley enjoyed considerable success at Brooklands and even broke the 24-hour world record around Montlhery setting a 95mph average speed.

According to Clare Hay's authoritative book 'Bentley: The Vintage Years 1919 - 1931', this particular example - chassis number RT1537 - was initially fitted with saloon coachwork by Carbodies. Built around the standard 10ft 10in wheelbase chassis and road registered as 'YP 5032' on 14th August 1926, its first owner was H.A. Jellis. It is unclear how long the latter kept the 3-Litre but by 1949 possession had transferred to W.B. Wright. Thereafter the car is known to have passed through the hands of A.J. Farsella, P.S. Pearl, A.E. Padgett, M.J. Webb, D.N. Cameron, G.I. Woodward, H.A. Booth and C. Moore. Interestingly, an accompanying continuation logbook shows that chassis RT1537 has existed as an open four-seater since at least 1970.

Resident with George Dodds for some twenty odd years, the Bentley's next custodian, Malcolm Crump, treated it to an extensive renovation programme between 1997 and 2005. As well as being re-sprayed and rewired, the 3-Litre had attention paid to its suspension (new springs, shock absorbers, shackle / axle bolts), brakes (new rods, fork ends, linings), lighting (refurbished headlamps / sidelamps, new rear lamps), instruments (reconditioned plus new rev counter and water temperature gauge), wheels (re-spoked, new spinners), clutch, brightwork, grease nipples, drain plugs and engine ancillaries (rejuvenated dynamo, autovac, magnetos, carburetors). Upgraded via the installation of a modern oil filter, cut-out switch and twin electric fans, chassis RT1537 further benefited from a thorough back axle overhaul (conversion to 4 star configuration, taller 3.53:1 crown wheel and pinion, fresh bearings / halfshafts). The late John Hunt assisted with much of the work, while D.H. Day supplied numerous parts.

Serviced by Sargeants of Goudhurst for R. Beswick in May 2006, the car was sold some thirteen months later to R. Mein who promptly dispatched it to marque specialist FS Racing for inspection. The resultant report identified the following numbers on the Bentley: Chassis RT1537, Engine RT1529, Steering Box RT1537 and Differential RT1537 leading Stuart Fearnside of FS Racing to comment: "It would appear at this point to be a matching numbers car. However, the front and rear axle numbers, along with front nib numbers are obscured by paint and so a definitive answer cannot be given without removing paintwork". Mr Fearnside also noted the presence of "a Smiths starter, C Type gearbox, full flywheel, thermostat, later type sump and Sloper SU carburettors"; the later type sump being particularly prized because it facilitates the enlargement of a 3 Litre engine to 4.5 Litres.

The vendor too has entrusted maintenance of the open four-seater to FS Racing. Starting readily upon inspection and showing good oil pressure from cold, the Bentley presents very nicely. More original than many a 3 Litre, chassis RT1537 has the added advantage of a substantial ownership chain. Elegantly proportioned and well finished, its Vanden Plas-style coachwork is trimmed with red leather upholstery and (red-piped) green carpets. The black double duck hood is a good fit and suits the car's lines, while other pleasing details comprise a winged 'B' mascot, rear-mounted spare wheel, Bentley Drivers Club badge, AT 100mph Model De Luxe speedometer and twin klaxon horns.

Vintage Bentleys are imposing machines and chassis RT1537 is no exception. Worthy of close inspection, this appealing 3-Litre is offered for sale with continuation logbook, numerous restoration bills / invoices, V5C Registration Document and current MOT certificate.