1924 Bentley 3 Litre Sports Car

The British automaker Bentley Motors Limited was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley who was known for his World War I rotary aero-engines used in the Sopwith Camel. The company was also well respected for its racing success. In the 1930s, Bentley was at the top of the British sports car market, with only a few competitors - primarily Bugatti and Hispano-Suiza. In 1931, Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley and has been owned by Volkswagen since 1998.

A Bentley similar to this car won at LeMans in 1924 and won again in 1927. In 1924, it was the fastest car on the course - achieving a speed of 100 miles per hour on the straightaway.

The first car had a 3-Liter 4-cylinder overhead cam engine with 4 valves per cylinder. Production started in 1921 after a year of development and testing. It was designed as a fast car suitable for races and it enjoyed rapid success, winning at Le Mans and other races throughout the 20s. Different versions were made with the 4-1/2L engines and with superchargers up to 1931. In 1927 they introduced a larger 6 cylinder 6-1/2 L model. By 1929, they had introduced a faster Speed Six version, which enjoyed racing successes and was produced until 1930.

Their swan song was a large luxury model, the 8 Liter, produced in 1930 and 1931. As with many expensive cars of the era, they went bankrupt in 1931 and their assets and name sold to Rolls-Royce.

This Bentley is equipped with its original nine foot, nine-inch Speed chassis, with original crankcase and gearbox. Originally built as three-liter automobile, it now sports the larger 4.5-liter cylinder blocks.

Bentley introduced its 3-Liter motorcar in 1921. It was a big car that was powered by an innovative 3-liter overhead cam 4-valve engine producing 70 horsepower. It used two spark plugs per cylinder and twin carburetors. The Speed models, like this one, were capable of 100 mph.

This car rides on its original 9 foot, 9-inch chassis and is equipped with a newer Bentley 4.5 liter engine block on its original crankcase. Like many Bentley's, this car was equipped with a body built by Vanden Plas. It was imported by its current owners from England in 2008.