1925 Bentley 3 Litre Supersports Brooklands

Bentley's were impressive automobiles that were victorious at LeMans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. They were driven with great success by legendary drivers such as Woolf Barnato, Jack Dunfee, Tim Birkin, and Sammy Davis.

At the 1919 Olympia Motor Exhibition, W.O. Bentley proudly debuted the new 3-liter car bearing his name on Stand 126. The prototype engine had been fired up for the first time just a few weeks earlier. This new model, still in its infancy, was destined to become a legend in motor racing history. It has also become a vintage sports icon with its leather-strapped bonnet, classical radiator design and British Racing Green livery.

Between 1925 to 1927, Bentley offered the 100mph Supersports model for their most demanding motorists. Only eighteen examples were built of which 17 were on the short 9-foot wheelbase. The other example was on the Standard Speed model 9f 9.5-inch wheelbase. These cars were very expensive and featured a lightweight chassis, a 15:53 rear axle and an A-type gearbox. The Supersports models were immediately recognizable by their distinctive Green Label tapered radiator.

This example, chassis number 1161, is fitted with the short 9-foot wheelbase. It was first registered in July of 1925 with London County Council. The first recorded owner was J.B. Stennett of The Laurels, Winchmore Hill. The original body style is unknown. Lt. Col. Peter Gillett of The Royal Artillery owned the car in 1949 before selling it that year to Lt. Col. Hugh Widdington-Moor. D J Haley owned the car in 1950, W Main of Fitton, near Bristol was the recorded owner in 1951 and Jim Howarth of Burnley acquired it in 1966.

While in Haley's care, the car was given engine number 72 which came from chassis number 68. The first owner of that vehicle was J.B. Stennett. At some stage in the car's life, chassis 1161 was given a 4.5-liter engine and the engine now fitted, number 546, comes from chassis number 540. The original engine in 1161, engine number 1145, is now in chassis number 609.

In 1987, Jim Howarth constructed the present coachwork for chassis number 1161. It is a Brooklands-style body similar to the competition Bentley models of that era. The vehicle is finished in dark British Racing Green and the interior is trimmed in black leather which matching black carpets. Driving equipment includes Lucas King of the Road head and side lamps, CAV rear lamps, including flashing indicators and brake lights. There are Andre Hartford shock absorbers, front-wheel brakes, quick fill and release petrol cap and fishtail exhaust. The car rides on 820 x 120mm beaded edge wheels, Excelsior tires with Dunlop heavy duty tubes with brass air fittings installed. There is a luggage storage area behind the seating accommodation.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge auction presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $601,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011