Registration No: GD 4233
Chassis No: 1171
MOT: Exempt

• One of just twenty-four Bentley 3-Litre cars known to have survived with its original J. Gurney Nutting coachwork
• Matching chassis, bonnet, steering box and rear axle
• Fitted with a period 3-Litre power unit from a Speed model
• Now presenting with gorgeous patination after an extensive restoration in the 1970s and well maintained since
• A wonderful and imposing Vintage Bentley

"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 Dr Clare Hay’s authoritative book, 'Bentley - The Vintage Years', chassis 1171 was built as a 1926 model on the standard 10ft 10in wheelbase and fitted with four-seater Tourer coachwork by Gurney Nutting. Supplied new by G.M. Gladstone Motors Ltd of Glasgow to J.D. Cousin Esq of Kinachoile House, Dunblane, the Bentley was first registered as ‘GD 4233’. Remaining north of the border, the 3 Litre then belonged to Peter Sinclair Esq of Alloa and Frederick Shanks Esq. of Arbroath (the latter’s family being well know industrialists with links to Queen Victoria and St Andrew’s Golf Course). Post-WW2, the Tourer had passed to ‘A. Peduzzi’ who may or may not have been Anna Maria Peduzzi (the first woman to race for Scuderia Ferrari). Fitted with a Ford diesel engine during the 1960s, the following decade saw chassis 1171 extensively restored by Liverpool businessman, Matthew Wright Esq. Sympathetically done, the refurbishment included the sourcing and installation of a correct-type replacement powerplant from a Speed Model (engine number LM1336) and chassis overhaul by Rubery Owen. Repainted Black and re-trimmed in Red, the 3 Litre was also rewired and had attention paid to its gearbox, steering brakes and suspension etc. Changing hands thereafter, chassis 1171 joined the vendor’s impressive collection in 2015. Remarkably well-preserved given the age of its renovation and a tribute to Mr Wright’s thoroughness, the Tourer now exhibits a gentle patina. Starting readily and running well during our photography session, ‘GD 4233’ is due to be driven to IWM Duxford for the sale. Aided by his W.O. Bentley owning neighbour who has advised on, and helped with maintenance, the vendor believes chassis 1171 to be more than up to the journey and indeed has used it on a frequent basis albeit for modest journeys. Pleasingly retaining its original bonnet, magneto switch plate, back axle and steering column (all of which are numbered correctly) not to mention its original Gurney Nutting coachwork which still carries its Bentley Motors tag, this delightful 3 Litre has much to recommend it. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file and full weather equipment.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430