1923 3-litre Bentley with original Vanden Plas coachwork
Chassis Number 276, Engine Number 285, Vanden Plas Body Number 3262

This stunningy original 3-litre Bentley has been a treasured possession of the present custodian -- a respected professional restorer of fine vintage cars and motorcycles - for approximately sixty years.

The chassis of the car (frame, suspension, steering, motor and ancilliaries, drive train, wheels, brakes and axles) has been restored with a strong focus on originality, while the elegant Vanden Plas body, with its orignal aluminium panels and black-stained timber frame, awaits refinishing and retrimming.

All major parts are with the car including its hallmark radiator and bonnet, whose hinges are stamped with the chassis number.

The images above show the car in its present condtion and state of assembly.

Expressions of Interest: 1923 3-litre Bentley
This very original motor car has been in the keeping of the present custodian for approximately sixty years, and is of great sentimental value. Sadly the time has come to dispose of the vehicle and the family is interested in finding it a good and suitable home. The following conditions have been designed to provide the custodian maximum control in the disposal of this much-loved vehicle.

A brief history of the car
I'm neither the owner of the car, not a Bentley historian, so please excuse any inaccuracies that may have crept in to the brief history laid out here: it is my best attempt with the information available to me at the moment.

Three-litre Bentley chassis number 276 is an original Australian-delivered car, first owned by Mr. Massey Burnside in Adelaide, South Australia. It left the factory in June 1923 fitted with engine number 285 and a four seater Vanden Plas body number 3262, both of which are still fitted to the car. I am not sure how many three litre cars preceded it to Australia, but it is certainly among the earliest cars to survive here.

The Bentley Drivers Club of Australia, of which the present custodian was a foundation member and later made a Life Member, knows of at least two other owners: Mr. Don Dow and Mr. Peter D'Abbs.

The photograph and short article below is from Australian Motor Racing Yearbook 1950-51, published by Motor Manual and edited by Theo Van Alkemade. The photograph dates from the D'Abbs period of ownership; it is not know when the car acquired the 21" wheels and the braked front axle. During its most recent renovation, the 21" wheels, on the car when acquired by the present custodian, were replaced with 880-120 beaded edge tyres and rims, and the car is now fitted with a brakeless front axle (see below).