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1926 Bentley 3 Litre SP 4-seater
Chassis No. 1138
Engine No. 1127
Registration No. MH 7580
August 31, 2019
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Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Jan Martin'
Posted: Dec 17, 2019
June 30, 2019
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Source: Jeremy Rippon
Posted: Aug 6, 2019
June 30, 2019
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Source: Nigel Catterall
Posted: Jul 18, 2019
October 12, 2013
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Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Adam Singer'
Posted: Sep 5, 2014
July 31, 2012
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Source: Russell Browne
Posted: Jul 29, 2013
March 31, 2012
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Description of car found on PreWarCar.com:
1925 Bentley 3 Litre, Le Mans Team Car
Chassis: 1138
Registration: MH 7580
Chassis 1138, the 3-Litre Bentley you see on the stand today, was the first factory works Le Mans entry, piloted by Dudley Benjafield and Bertie Kensington-Moir. WO Bentley had learnt much from Duff’s previous Le Mans exploits, and he went about preparing 1138 in his usual fastidious manner.
The chassis was fitted with a Vanden Plas four-seat body with a lower, more aerodynamic windscreen. A large, 25 gallon fuel tank was installed as well as stone guards to the radiator, head lights, sump and petrol tank. A leather strap held the bonnet in place whilst the standard road springs were tightly bound so as to stiffen the suspension. The engine was also up-rated to ‘Supersports’ specification, which included a higher compression ratio and twin S.U. ‘sloper’ carburettors. Duel fuel pipes, sheathed in rubber, as well as a duel wiring system similar to those used on aircraft were further measures to help defeat the rigours of such a tough race.
1925 was the first year of the classic Le Mans start, with rules stating that the first 20 laps had to be run with the hood up. This also governed when a car could first stop for fuel and water, and Bentley decided to combine lowering the roof and a petrol stop into one. The minimum amount of fuel for the 20 laps had been calculated, and both cars started well, setting a remarkable pace, with Kensington-Muir regularly achieving over 90 mph. However there had been a serious error in the calculations: no one had taken into account the extra fuel used when the hood was erect, and both cars failed to make the 20 laps.
1138 was then briefly used as a factory demonstrator, but led a relatively quiet life after its 1925 Le Mans race. In 2001 it was decided that a complete and absolutely accurate restoration would be made on the car. This was overseen by William Medcalf, who was as fastidious in his attention to detail as WO Bentley. During the restoration, it became apparent just how original this car was, and everything was done to preserve this. Usability was also considered, the engine being rebuilt with a Pheonix crank, new bearings and Arias pistons. With the restoration finished, 1138 went on to win the 2004 Bentley Drivers Club Concours at Hatfield House.
1138 represents a hugely important example not just of Bentley, but British motoring history. The first Bentley factory entry for Le Mans, it remains today a very well restored, original example of one of the most significant British racing cars of all time.
Source: Fiskens and PreWarCar
Posted: Apr 11, 2012
February 4, 2012
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Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Hugues'
Posted: Mar 7, 2015
2009
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Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Michael Ward' and Geograph (UK), posted by user 'Mick Finn'
Posted: May 5, 2011
2008
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Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Guy Jaques'
Posted: May 5, 2011
May 31, 2007
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Source: Overton Vehicle Overhauls
Posted: Sep 17, 2007
2007
Source: Alan Minchin (Owner)
Posted: Jul 30, 2007
2006
Posted: Jan 1, 0001
2006
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Source: Fotopic, posted by user 'J & M Hawkes' & Russell Browne
Posted: May 5, 2011
2006
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Posted: Aug 23, 2007
2005
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Source: Picasa, posted by user 'Melvyn Pettit'
Posted: May 5, 2011
2004
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Source: Ernst Jan Krudop
Posted: Jan 15, 2008
2000
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Source: Duncan Kensington Moir
Posted: Apr 29, 2013
1990
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Source: Daily Mail - July 25, 1990 (made available by Bob Rippon)
Posted: Jan 16, 2009
June 30, 1982
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Source: Robert McLellan
Posted: Jul 31, 2006
1982
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Source: Robert McLellan
Posted: Jul 31, 2006
April 30, 1977
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Source: Robert McLellan
Posted: Jul 31, 2006
1977
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Posted: Aug 31, 2011
April 30, 1967
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Source: Rolls-Royce & Bentley International Pageant at Goodwood program, May 20, 1967
Posted: Feb 5, 2007
1925
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Posted: Aug 31, 2011
1925
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One of the great joys of working with important old cars is what turns up whilst researching their history, these little seen photos being a first rate example. Whilst investigating the history of the first Bentley factory Le Mans entry from 1925, a 3 Litre that we are currently offering for sale, marque specialist Clare Hay uncovered these fabulous photos. The first is of the two works drivers, Dudley Benjafield and Bertie Kensington-Moir, waiting at scrutineering before the start of the race. As you can see, they were appropriately dressed for the occasion and the Bentley was still looking very clean!
The second picture, with the hood erected, captures what must have been a heartbreaking moment for the Bentley team. 1925 was the first year of the classic Le Mans start, with rules stating that the first 20 laps had to be run with the hood up. This also governed when a car could first stop for fuel and water, and Bentley decided to combine lowering the roof and a petrol stop into one. The minimum amount of fuel for the 20 laps had been calculated, the Bentley starting well and setting a remarkable pace, with Kensington Moir regularly achieving over 90 mph. However there had been a serious error in the calculations: no one had taken into account the extra fuel used when the hood was erect, and none of the Bentley’s made the required 20 laps.
Source: Fiskens
Posted: Jun 4, 2012
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Source: Fiskens
Posted: May 6, 2013
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Source: MySpace, posted by user 'Tim'
Posted: May 5, 2011
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Source: From article "The Three-litre Bentley Speed Model" published in "The Motor" November 24, 1925 issue
Posted: Feb 23, 2008
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Source: Walter McCarthy
Posted: Nov 24, 2008
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Source: Fiskens
Posted: Nov 14, 2008
Earliest Record Of Historical Facts & Information
| Chassis No. | 1138 |
|---|---|
| Engine No. | 1127 |
| Registration No. | MH 7580 |
| Date of Delivery: | 30 Sep 1925 |
| Type of Body: | 4-seater |
| Coachbuilder: | Vanden Plas |
| Type of Car: | SP |
| First Owner: | A. F. C. Hillstead |
| More Info: | Team car driven by Works. Michael Hay, in his book Bentley: The Vintage Years, 1997, states: "Vanden Plas body no. 1170. "Supersports engine 6.1 CR chassis replica of Duff's 1925 chassis" (1040). Reg KKK 111 (1947). Owned by Shortt - "In small pieces" 1949. Fitted crankcase ML 1509, C Box, spicer shaft, stage 3 perrots." |
Mar 1, 2007