1929 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Tourer

The 3 Litre Bentley was produced from 1921 through 1929 with 1,622 examples built including 513 'Speed' models, 18 Super Sports, and 3 experiemtnal chassis. The 2,996cc (183 cubic-inch / 3.0-liter) straight-4 engine had four valves per cylinder, an overhead camshaft, a bevel-geared shaft drive for the camshaft, and dry-sump lubrication. It was among the earliest engines to received two spark plugs per cylinder, twin carburetors, and pent-roof combustion chambers.

Bentley 3 Litre wheelbase sizes measured 108-, 117.5-, and 130-inches, with the 117.5-inch size being the 'standard' configuration.

Bentleys finished second, fourth, and fifth place in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, earning the company the Team Prize. This accomplishment led to the introduction of the TT Replica, later known as the Speed Model, on the existing 108-inch wheelbase, short standard chassis. The distinguishable feature of the Speed Model was the Red Label on its radiator, with mechanical differences that included twin SU carburetors, a higher compression ratio (5.3:1 compression), different camshaft, and the close-ratio A-type gearbox, the latter being standard equipment prior to 1927 when the C-type gearbox was adopted. While the standard engine developed 70 horsepower, the Speed Model produced approximately 80 horsepower. The larger 11-gallon fuel tank was another upgrade bestowed upon the Speed Model, and most were fitted with Andre Hartford shock absorbers.

This particular 3-Litre Speed Model, capable of 70 miles per hour in second gear, was built by Bentley Motors in 1925. It was bodied as a sports tourer by Vanden Plas coachbuilders. After World War II, the car was exported to South Africa. It was campaigned heavily and remained there until 1997. It was then acquired by the Porter family, and it has since participated in numerous rallies and tours. It is driven every year and enjoyed rain or shine.