"I purchased Bentley 3 litre speed model chassis 533 from the estate of Peter Gargett in November 2015. The car resides in Geelong Australia."

This car was purchased by Dean Montgomery in November 2015.

1924 Bentley 3 Litre "Red Label" Short Chassis Speed Model
Chassis number 533, Engine no. 542S

Type of Body - Open Tourer
Coachbuilder - William Arnold of Manchester
Location - Australia - Brisbane
Year - 1924
Chassis - 533
Engine Number - 542S
Rego - originally FY 6937, now on Qld Vintage rego 1370
3L Red Label, short chassis, speed model
Price On Application

Hawthorne Green body, black guards and running boards with Aluminium bonnet.

This particular car is an outstandingly original example in that it retains its original matching numbers and is one of the 513 Speed Models built. It rides on a 9 foot 9 ½ inch wheelbase with engine number 542S. The coachbuilder was William Arnold of Manchester and the vehicle retains its original coach work including matching numbers of the unpainted aluminium bonnet. It is a four seater Open Tourer. The car was completed on 15th March 1924 and was originally registered FY 6937. The first owner lived in Derbyshire England. There are service records until 1935 along with fairly comprehensive notes after that. The car was exported to Australia during the 1930's. The current owner purchased the vehicle in the early 1960's.

The car was restored during the late 1960's in preparation for the 1970 Sydney to Melbourne Rally. Later, in 1985, the motor was rebuilt by The Vintage Garage on the Gold Coast. The whole car is in exceptional condition for its age given that it has never been restored to a "concourse" condition, which in any event is well above factory issue. It sits on 21 inch wheels, retains its original A-type 6 bolt close ratio gearbox, twin magnetos and twin brass SU carburetors. The low geared steering box and water pump were upgraded during 1934 to those from a 4½ L Bentley. At the same time a new Hardy Spicer driveshaft was fitted.

The interior is well-restored and thoroughly detailed. The original leather on the seats was replaced with vinyl to withstand the harsh Australian sun. The original dashboard has been replaced with a piece of Queensland Walnut containing the full complement of beautiful instruments, although the tacho is not original. The vehicle is fitted with a sloping windscreen – we have not seen another sloping windscreen fitted to a 3L W.O. Bentley. The controls are authentic throughout, including the switch panel - which bears the vehicles chassis number, the steering wheel controls and the centre throttle.

The Autovac fuel pump has been replaced with a modern electric positive earth fuel pump. The separate crank handle for manual starting is with the vehicle. The car starts and runs well. The brakes are effective. The gearbox works as it should and the clutch brake function works properly. In order to make this vehicle reliable for long distance touring the tyres should be replaced, we have chosen not to do this as the new owner can choose the tyres to suit their driving requirements and standards within their country.

This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire an incredibly original Red Label Short Chassis Speed Model 3 Litre Bentley that retains its original major mechanical components and coachwork. It has had minimal use in the last 50 years, so would be a relatively low kilometre vehicle for its age. The exhaust note is superb.

I have owned Bentley 533 since the early 1960s and I am at the stage where I have decided to sell it. I was a member of The Bentley Drivers Club for many years.

The car is a 1924 Speed Model which is highly original. I believe the motor was replaced by Bentley Motors in 1935 and the car was restored from bare chassis up for the 1970 rally from Sydney to Melbourne.

It was fully registered for many years and is currently on a concessional registration.

It is not in "concours" condition but is very presentable and a very usable car.

It has its original body by William Arnold of Manchester.

BENTLEY 3 litre, Speed Model, chassis number 533

 

Peter Gargett writes from Brisbane in August 2006:

"In a couple of the 2004 issues of our magazine there was an article on "Arnold of Manchester" the coachbuilders. I have a 1924 3 Litre Bentley with coachwork by this firm, as well as 1925 20hp, GLK66, Smith & Waddington Coupe and 1920 Silver Ghost, 75AE, Surrey Motors Tourer. The Bentley is a red label speed model, chassis number 533 and engine number 542. I believe it is one of the few Bentleys with a sloping windscreen. The motor was worked on in the 1930s by Bentley Motors when it had twin carburettors fitted. I have had it since the early 1960s and Chris and I drove it in the 1970 Sydney to Melbourne rally."