1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: GD 7745
Chassis No: ML1511
Mot Expiry: Exempt

One of just 513 Speed Models built (9ft 9.5in wheelbase, high compression engine), chassis ML1511 was supplied new via Gladstone Motors of Glasgow to J.M. Kirkwood of Trigoni, Largs, Ayrshire who later relocated to Schiehallion, Dunblane, Perthshire. Road registered as `GD 7745' on 30th June 1927 (just days after the marque's second Le Mans 24-hours victory) and initially sporting Vanden Plas Four-Seater coachwork, the Bentley's accompanying copy factory service record shows that it received little more than routine maintenance over the next decade. Purchased from Mrs Jean Kirkwood by Wing Commander George William Heather of No. 149 Squadron during April 1944, the 3 Litre passed to fellow RAF officer Squadron Leader (subsequently Wing Commander) John Hyde some seven months afterwards. Interestingly, a letter penned by the latter and held in the Bentley Drivers' Club's archive reveals that chassis ML1511 (a) underwent its first engine re-bore and (b) wore a saloon body during his tenure which is reputed to have previously clothed a Lagonda 2 Litre.

A sheaf of McKenzie Motors' invoices on file show that the renowned marque specialist subjected `GD 7745' to a thorough engine overhaul and back axle refurbishment in 1965-1966 whilst it belonged to J.R. Bateman of London W6. Indeed as a serial W.O. Bentley owner it was because Don McKenzie had worked on the 3 Litre that the vendor's father decided to buy it from Arthur Ivor Read of Westgate-on-Sea during 1968. Fitted with its current open four-seater tourer coachwork by then, chassis ML1511 was repainted during the early 1970s before transferring from father to son. The vendor believes that the engine had yet to be fully run-in following its McKenzie overhaul due to the four-cylinder unit feeling noticeably stronger and smoother on the way back from the Paris-Deauville run (his first long trip aboard the car). Since enjoyed on numerous sorties to the Le Mans 24-hours and Le Mans Classic not to mention a Scottish Malts Rally, `GD 7745' is estimated to have covered some 40,000 miles over the past forty years.

As well as having the Bentley's leather upholstery, carpets, hood, tonneau, dashboard and windscreen renewed (the latter by Jim Pearce) a few decades ago, the vendor had a detachable Auster-style screen fabricated for the benefit of rear seat passengers. Much of the 3 Litre's mechanical upkeep has been entrusted to respected restorer Beacon Hill Garage. The front suspension was rejuvenated several years back with attention paid to the perrot shafts, kingpins, shock absorbers and spring set-up, while the rear suspension and steering box were likewise improved in 2002. The camshaft was re-profiled, the magnetos / twin SU `sloper' carburettors refurbished and the side plates replaced at around the same time. Otherwise the engine has needed little beyond servicing and started readily upon inspection. More recent work has seen the Bentley treated to new drums / linings all-round which still require a little bedding-in. The wire wheels were restored by Motor Wheels Services and the Blockley tyres are approximately two years old. The generator has been checked over and the battery is new.

`GD 7455' exudes a gentle patina and has the number ML1511 visible to its front cross member, dashboard switch plate, nearside front dumb iron (inner face) and steering column. The engine number ML1515 appears on the crankcase and at the bottom of the magneto tower. Coming to open market for the first time in forty-six years and boasting not only a known ownership history from new but also `matching' chassis and engine numbers, this highly desirable Speed Model is offered for sale with copy factory service record, two continuation buff logbooks, McKenzie Motors (London) / Beacon Hill Garage invoices and VSCC Buff Form. Simply delightful!