Faithful recreation of Number 3
The 1929 Bentley 6½-Litre Sports Tourer offered here, fitted with a 1930 Speed Six engine, was built approximately 45 years ago by Bentley marque expert Norman Smith in the UK and was wonderfully executed in every respect. The large-sump Speed-Six engine was completely rebuilt by Roger Cook at a cost of approximately $100,000, and all moving parts were replaced, including installation of a new crankshaft and new connecting rods. The builder-restorers selected the very best components available, including the desirable “C” gearbox, and it was fitted with four-passenger touring bodywork crafted in the style of Vanden Plas. It is a remarkable duplicate of the “Number 3” 1930 Le Mans team car as it appeared in road trim during the 1930s.

For approximately 35 years following restoration, the Bentley was in the care of just two English owners, and during this time, Elmdown Engineering, a respected vintage Bentley shop, serviced it. In August 2002, the current U.S.-based owner acquired the Bentley, and several thoughtful additions were made, including a battery cut-off switch under the dash and a fire extinguisher, as well as a modern oil filter, using a kit purchased from William Medcalf of the Bentley Drivers Club. Soon after, it earned second in class at the Castle Hill Concours d’Elegance at Ipswich, Massachusetts – a remarkable achievement considering the 35 years since it was restored. In 2003, the car completed the four-day, 1,000-mile Colorado Grand, confirming its superior touring capabilities.

Among its many great period features, the Bentley includes vintage-style Michelin tyres, correct centre-lock wire wheels, correct-style lamps with excellent brightwork and a large competition fuel tank. A 2½-gallon cowl-mounted oil reservoir, like those used in period at Le Mans, allows the driver to pump oil to the engine as needed, and right-hand-only horn and headlamp grilles supplement a wire-mesh radiator grille, just like those used on the 1930 Le Mans team cars. All Speed Six Bentleys were equipped with dual brake shoes at the rear wheels, with one controlled by the foot brake and the other controlled by the parking brake. To compensate for wear in competition, a vernier was mounted atop the parking-brake handle to adjust for excessive wear, and of course, a proper vernier is included with this car.

The body and fenders of the Bentley remain straight and excellent throughout, and the green paintwork presents very nicely as well. A recent inspection of the “C” gearbox revealed negligible wear. In fact, the side curtains appear to be unused and still wrapped in paper. The original generator is not presently functional, having been replaced by a driveshaft-mounted alternator, which charges the battery when the car is in motion. Wonderfully executed and faithful to the road-going livery of the Number 3 team car during the 1930s, this Bentley offers all the looks, power and cachet of the prohibitively expensive original Speed Six in a car built and maintained by marque specialists. Indeed, the driving experience offered by this Bentley is arguably unmatched by any other six-cylinder tourer in the world.

This car is for sale as of June 20, 2011.

Sold for £470,400 on June 23, 2011

In USA in 2006 / Owned by a BDC member

This photograph was taken during an interview with owner, John Macklin, in 1999.