1927 Bentley 3-Litre Tourer

The iconic 'first' Bentley was built in a workshop near Baker Street, London, in 1920 and was powered by a 65 horsepower four-cylinder 16-valve engine. The car is the first to carry Bentley's hallmark radiator casing and flying 'B' insignia. The car was designed by the company founder Walter Owen Bentley, otherwise known as 'WO'.

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This classic Bentley convertible, fitted with a Harrington body was delivered to Mr. C.C. Brill in March 1927 and is thought to be the only surviving Harrington-bodied Bentley 3-liter in existence today. The car was acquired by its current owners, Dennis and Ann-Marie Nash, in 1997, and they have since driven more than 12,000 miles in Europe and the U.S.A. It is thought to have been driven more than 155,000 miles.

Of the five Harrington-bodied Bentleys, this is the only one known to survive. It is a matching numbers example in restored condition and has been the recipient of numerous national club and concours awards.

There are a number of period upgrades on this car, including a vacuum servo unit installed in 1932 followed by the addition of Lucas P100 headlamps and twin SU 'sloper' carburetors in 1934. In 1988, it was given a professional body-off restoration and had a complete engine, clutch and brake rebuild in 2000.

The engine is a 3-liter single overhead cam 4-cylinder unit with four valves per cylinder. There is 80 horsepower available, a four-speed gearbox, and four-wheel mechanical brakes with servo assist.

In 2009, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held at Pebble Beach, CA. It was expected to sell for $250,000 - $275,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $308,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.