In England in 2006 / Owned by a BDC member

"Chassis No. 203, engine No. 210 is one of the most classy and best preserved 3 litres in the world. Restored to perfection by Richard moss many years ago and a multiple B.D.C concours winner."

Photograph was taken by Philippe de Smet in 2003 during the Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone.

 

The prototype 3 litre Bentley was running in 1919, and was the subject of a test by Sammy Davis published in January 1920, in which he described it as a car which combined docility in traffic with exceptional speed potential and phenomenal brakes. The first cars went on sale in 1921; by 1925 the standard 10' 10" chassis was priced at £895, against £1,100 for the contemporary Rolls Royce 20hp. Due to its very long stroke, the big 4 cylinder engine, which developed 70bhp at 3500rpm, was rated at only 15.9hp for taxation purposes, compared to 20.9 for the 6 cylinder 3 litre Sunbeam.

W.O. Bentley entered his cars in competition right from the start, and they won many class records and races, including Le Mans in 1924 and 1927 (Sammy Davis was one of the drivers that year). Just over 1,620 3 litre chassis were made in all, some of them Speed and Super Sport models, between 1921 and 1929.

This highly original 3 Litre saloon by Gurney Nutting is quite possibly the oldest surviving and most original of its type in existence today. The body is finished in Navy Blue over Black with complimentary beige upholstery.

The history file that accompanies the car is complete with a number of service/ maintenance bills from vintage Bentley specialists Blackmore Engineering Company and Richard.C.Moss who had looked after the car on behalf of the previous owner from 1985. The car retains the original single Smiths five jet Carburettor, 'B' gearbox and brakeless front axle with beaded edge tyres.

There are MOT certificates dating back to the late 1970's and a buff logbook stamped from 1953. The car also comes with a Vintage Sports Car Club eligibility document and FIVA identity card. Presented with UK V5 and MOT until the end of September 2006, the was featured in a full road test by Classic and Sports car in March 2005. This totally unmolested example represents an opportunity to purchase a very important part of Bentley heritage and in delightful original condition.