Highlights

Recently completed bodywork and mechanical restoration
Built on the desirable 9-9.5 wheelbase 3L chassis
Handwritten history
Bespoke aluminium bodywork with hand-made ash frame
‘New crate’ B60 4.5L engine

The Appeal

Ettore Bugatti’s veiled compliment has forever been associated with Bentley’s illustrious 3 Litre. The year before this car left the works, ‘the fastest lorry in the world’ won the 24 hrs race at Le Mans.

These were cars for proper drivers, although precious few got the chance to experience them as just 1,600 left the works over eight years. Chassis 944 was built in early 1925 and sold to a buyer in Carlisle. It was fitted with a then-fashionable Weymann wood frame and fabric body by Freestone & Webb.

The vendor acquired the car a few years ago and set about completing a restoration begun by the previous keeper. That work included conversion to an open touring body fabricated from aluminium over an ash frame then finished in grey with red painted chassis and mud guards.

The car is now fitted with a ‘new crate’ 4.5L B60 120bhp engine (number 7656) and a 6spd gearbox. There are hydraulic brakes, high torque starter, custom radiator and it has been upgraded to an alternator.

This is a stylish and well detailed 3 Litre - there is even a dummy supercharger - that is fresh from the considerable investment of time and money made by the current and previous keepers. A great opportunity for the buyer to capitalise on all that effort.

The History and Paperwork

DVLA records first registration as 1925
Acquired by current keeper 1st May 2021 as an unfinished project
UK re-registered 14th March 2025 with plate as shown in photos
Registered as a Historic Vehicle with 3L engine
Photographic record of restoration
Various old marketing paperwork
Handwritten notes in photographs documenting work and history

The Condition

Restored by previous keeper using a bespoke open tourer aluminium body over ash frame
Record of this work is shown in photos
Replacement chassis advised by seller finished in matching red paintwork
Grey paintwork in fair condition with some marks to note up close in photos
Red paintwork is in similar order with light signs of use
Wire wheels recently respoked and reconditioned and fitted with vintage Waymaster tyres
Supplied with hood frame and pattern for hood
There is also a tonneau provided
Red leather four seat interior with front bucket seats and rear bench
Leather trim to seats and doors is in good order with only light age
Mix of Smiths and older dials as shown with rev counter containing digital odo
4 spoke vintage wheel as shown
Red carpet in good condition
Fitted with P100 heedlights

This lovely machine has just passed its 100 birthday so it feels fitting that it is just returning to the road after the vendor has completed its extensive renovation. It is now fitted with a bespoke open tourer four seat body that is finished in grey. The aluminium bodywork clothes a hand-built ash frame that looks well built in the restoration photos provided with the car. The grey bodywork is complemented by smart red mudguards and trim and matching painted chassis. The chassis was replaced during the restoration project.

The cabin continues the red theme with front bucket seats and a rear bench. It is all well kept and faces a dashboard containing a mix of original and later dials.

The Mechanics

Now fitted with a ‘new crate’ 4.5L 120bhp B60 Bentley engine
Engine number 7656
Fitted with twin SU carburettors as shown
6spd manual gearbox
Described as ‘runing fine’ by seller
Features high torque starter, alternator, hydraulic brakes and custom radiator
No known running or driving issues
Recently completed project by seller

This is a 3 Litre that we’re fairly sure the Bentley Boys would have approved of. Certainly it is quicker than its stablemates that barrelled down the Mulsanne Straight to success in 1924. The car is now fitted with a later 4.5L B60 Bentley engine that is good for 120bhp and described by the seller as ‘new crate’.

Other upgrades include hydraulic brakes, an alternator, high torque starter and custom radiator for improved reliability.

All the work has been recently completed and the car is said to run well by the seller.

Note to bidders - there was a heritage certificate attached to this listing which has now been removed as its authenticity has been called into question. It will be provided with the vehicle but bidders should make their own enquiries as to the history and provenance of the vehicle

BEFORE YOU BUY

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