Beschreibung
Lot 1029
1925 Bentley 3-Litre Vanden Plas Tourer
Reg. no. NT 8694
Chassis no. 1235
Engine no. 82
Having made his name in the automotive industry in the years immediately prior to the Great War, as the UK importer and tuner of French DFP cars, and having contributed to the war effort with engine designs for aircraft, Walter Owen Bentley set up his own car company at the start of 1919. By the end of the year, the company had its first running car, with the superb 3-litre engine, designed by wartime fighter pilot Clive Gallop, providing the main points of interest. This innovative engine was much smaller than that of many competing vehicles but made up for that with its technical specification. With an overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication and twin magnetos, it was ahead of its time in many respects, and with 70bhp in standard form – and more for the Speed models – it provided the Bentley with ample performance capabilities.
The first Bentley model finally went on sale in September 1921, and quickly became a popular choice for the young monied daredevils of the day; their exploits with the 3-litre in motorsports events, for example victories at Le Mans in 1924 and 1927, helped to create the legend of the ‘Bentley Boys’, and shaped the image that the brand still enjoys to this day.
NT 8694 was built in 1925 as order number 1209 from Henry Garner Ltd., 25 Hill Street, Birmingham. As was the norm, the chassis was supplied separately from the coachwork; in this case, the chassis cost of around £1000 was supplemented by £180 to Vanden Plas for a light tourer body. Numbers were as follows: Chassis 1235; engine 1242; back axle 1235 marked 13/ 55 ratio; steering column 1236; and gearbox 256. The car was finished in blue with black wings and was possibly delivered on 25th of November 1925.
In June 1926, the car was sold to J. Blake & Co. Ltd, then on to P. L. Russell Allen of Halford, Craven Arms, Shropshire, who was the first registered private owner according to Bentley’s records. Maintenance records detail some work carried out in 1927, such as an engine de-coke and new pistons. In 1929, the car was sold to Mr J. Roberts Crichton of Carradale, Courtfield Crescent, Harrow, and then on to Dr. J. W. McFarlane of 7 Buckingham Terrace, Glasgow, in 1930. Odometer mileage read 4718 at this time.
In 1932 the car moved on again, sold to G. H. Vickers of Hedley Vickers Ltd, Manchester. A picture in the file was taken in 1932 outside Mr Hedley Vickers’ house ‘Barnfield’ in Prestwick, Manchester, and was provided by Miranda Hedley Vickers, a granddaughter of Mr. G. Hedley Vickers. Sold on again in 1935, to Mr. E Headlam 56a The Chine, Winchmore Hill, London N10 with no guarantee, the car would change hands one more time yet before the war, being purchased by Mr. G. M. Hardman of Copp, Great Eccleston, Lancashire, in 1938. At some point after this, NT 8694 was dismantled for overhaul. War intervened, and the car was stored in a cellar in Worksop, where it would remain until the late 1950s.
In 1958, Kenneth Ball, proprietor of Beacon Garage in Gringley on the Hill, Nottinghamshire, placed an advert seeking Bentley spares, and was duly alerted to NT 8694 – in bits, but almost complete. A deal was done, and the renovation started. The engine, number 82, came from another car that had been dismantled at a similar time. It should be noted that the sump is numbered 54. As part of the restoration, the engine was uprated to ‘Speed Model’ specification. The only major component required was a body; a replica Vanden Plas body was duly constructed by Tony Robinson of Gerrards Cross, who was renowned at the time for the quality of the bodies he produced. After two years of restoration, the car was complete, and Kenneth Ball kept it until 1982. Harold Graham Withington purchased the car in that year and was an enthusiastic custodian for the next 17 years, using the car extensively, including in racing.
Sold via classic car dealer William Quint to Nigel Stennett-Cox in 2000, the car was treated to an engine overhaul in 2003-4, before entering the current ownership in 2008. Over the course of the last 14 years, the car has been fastidiously maintained, with an extensive record of the work carried out present in the file. In 2009/ 10, the metal parts of the bodywork were repainted, and the wheels rebuilt; the car still presents extremely well. Other work has involved improvement to the steering and brakes, plus the fitment of a twin fuelling system – the car can run either on an electric pump or on an Autovac. Also used for several European trips, this fine example of one of the most beloved of British classics is on-the-button and ready for further use. It comes with a large history file documenting the complete known history of the car, plus records of work carried out, both over the current ownership and all the way back to the late 1920s.
Estimate: £210, 000 - 230, 000
To be auctioned along with a fantastic selection of other vehicles on October 15th at our Showell Farm site, SN15 2NU. Viewing is welcome prior to sale and all cars are sold as seen. Lots are not available to buy prior to auction. A fully illustrated catalogue is available on the Richard Edmonds Auctions website. Bids can be left with the auctioneer, made online, by telephone or live in person. All lots are subject to commission.
Vehicles that are un-registered or on foreign plates may require Import Duty and VAT to be paid upon purchase via HMRC prior to registering with the DVLA for a UK plate, if you are not sure please ask. For classic cars over 30 years this equates to 5% Duty on the final value.
