Exquisite Brace Of Vintage Bentleys Joins Bonhams' October Auction In Philadelphia

September 26, 2017 by Bonhams

Following the news of a rare and legendary London-to-Edinburgh Silver Ghost Rolls-Royce, formerly of the Henry Ford Museum, consigned for auction, Bonhams is pleased to announce two other commensurate British sporting motorcars for its October sale.

Confirmed for the annual auction in Philadelphia are two special Bentley models: a 1924 3-Liter Speed Tourer and a 1929 4.5-Liter Le Mans Replica Tourer.

The genuine 3-Liter Speed model, in addition to being a renowned Bentley, has history known from new and has been in the same ownership for over 30 years. Born in the year that Bentley began its famous domination of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this example is a lovely representation of what is the most iconic British automobile marque of the interwar era. Famous for a reason, it was this car in only mildly modified form that helped give rise to Bentley's numerous racing victories, the cult of the Bentley Boys, and the legend of Bentley. Well mannered but powerful, fast yet comfortable, the 3-Liter Speed remains to this day a very useable, enjoyable and exhilarating – not to mention desirable – vintage motorcar.

Also true to its racing heritage, the 4.5-Liter represents the model that set the fastest lap at Le Mans in 1927 and then won the prestigious endurance race in 1928. This 1929 example was sold new to the Scottish heir of the whisky dynasty Whyte & Mackay and then, years later, came into the 30-year ownership of highly respected Bentley aficionado David Van Shaick. Van Shaick not only kept the fabric-bodied motorcar in top shape but also exercised it at races, rallies and events with passionate regularity.

Both of these incredible vintage sporting cars will be offered alongside an impressive selection of automobiles at Bonhams' Collectors Motorcars & Automobilia Auction scheduled for Monday, October 2nd at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. To learn more, and to register to bid – in person or remotely, please visit www.bonhams.com/simeone.