Christies auction, 2002

BENTLEY 3-4½ LITRE
Year 1926
Chassis No. LM1329
Engine No. PM3267
European taxes paid
Engine: four cylinder in line, overhead camshaft, 4,398cc (see text), c.100bhp at 3,500rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension, front and rear: semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum; Right hand drive.
Coachwork by Vanden Plas, tourer, green with green leather interior.

Chassis LM 1329, a Three Litre Speed Model with Standard Bentley four seater touring coachwork by Vanden Plas, was completed in August 1926 and registered in London. It was sold new to Bentley Motors Ltd and supplied by them to Alex Milne of Fife, and subsequent history on copies of the original ledger supplied by the Bentley Drivers Club confirms the following:

1930 - The Bentley was purchased by Dr Frank Wylie of Glasgow.
1931 - Purchased by H.M. Tod, of Giffrock.
1936 - Sold to N. L. Levers of the Flying Training School, Market Drayton, Shropshire.
1937 - The original 3 litre engine, LM 1330, was offered for sale by M. Chambers (Motor Engineer). This must have been replaced as the car remained in use.
1937 - The car was purchased by A. Somerville of Leek, Staffordshire.
1939-1956 - History is not known.
1956 - Car sold to P.M. Sanders, then fitted with 3 litre engine number 618.
1968 - By 1968 the car was in Switzerland, and the property of Dr. Marcus Muller, a veterinary surgeon and old car enthusiast in whose ownership it was often used in the Kanton Aargau region.
1990s - Purchased by Hans Lüscher.

Condition
Today, the car still sports the most desirable coachwork on these cars, bearing its original coachwork badge, and the bonnet is stamped with the chassis number. It carries all original Bentley components, but the engine now fitted is a 4½ litre ex-chassis number PM 3267, the steering box is ex-chassis number UK 3277 (4½ litre), and has a rear axle with 15/53 ratio. The bodywork has been restored, and the seats re-upholstered, although the side panels are the original fabric. It also retains correct period instrumentation and chassis numbered Bentley cluster. From its age it is presumed that the restoration dates from the Dr. Müller ownership. In essence the condition and appearance is of a carefully aged car, much in keeping with the spirit of the W.O. Bentley marque. The sensible concession of a Kenlowe fan to aid cooling is fitted.