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Details
1922 BENTLEY 3 LITRE SPORTS TWO SEATER
Registration No. KU 631
Chassis No. 113
Engine No. 113
Blue with brown leather interior
Engine: four cylinder in-line, four valves per cylinder, single overhead camshaft through bevel drive, five bearing crankshaft, 2,996cc; Gearbox: four speed A type; Brakes: rear wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs all round. Right hand drive.
The immortal 3 Litre model marks the foundation of the Bentley legend. It was the first model built by Bentley Motors Limited of Cricklewood in North London - the first complete automotive creation of Walter Owen Bentley to bear his name. Sales commenced in 1921 although production was not properly developed until 1922. Even so, 141 of these cars were built in their first year, all on a 9ft 9½ in. chassis. From the beginning 'W.O.' insisted that all his cars should carry a five year guarantee a telling reflection of his own and his company's skills.
Bentley fully intended to promote his new cars by racing them and by supporting competition minded customers. As a consequence, Bentley ran cars in any event they stood a chance of winning, beginning with a factory team of three flat-radiator 3 Litres entered in the 1922 RAC Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, where they won the Team Prize.
This 3 Litre dates from that first year of production and success, being sold new to a Mr. E.W. Knowles, who within a year, had sold it in turn to a Mr. R. Smith, both gentlemen from Bradford, where the car was originally registered, as confirmed by its 'KU' registration prefix. From the logbook with the car, Mr Smith seems to have kept it until 1968, when he sold it to a lady in Dorset, the car changed hands in that county once again until its purchase by the current owner.
As the build-sheets do not mention coachwork, it cannot be conclusively proved that the body is original to the car. However, newspaper articles offered with it refer to Speed trials carried out on the Morecambe New Road during their Summer Carnival on the 19th September 1923, which depict Mr Smith 'of Bradford' campaigning the 'KU 631' at speed, clearly fitted with this coachwork. It seems likely therefore that the car was supplied new in this form. Certainly the coachwork appears to have been on the car for a large proportion of its life, and as it retains original chassis, engine, steering box and bonnet with matching numbers, one would assume an uncomplicated history.
Restored prior to purchase by the current owner, this well-presented early Bentley, provides seating for two persons, together with a large storage compartment at the rear, and is fitted with cycle wings. On correct beaded edge wheels, a spare is mounted to the nearside of the bodywork, and a tool box to the other, whilst Lucas headlights, a calorimeter and nickel fittings, as well as a hood in black double-duck, complete the car.
Offered for sale from a private stable of Bentley motor cars, this attractive sporting 3 Litre with lightweight coachwork epitomises Twenties motoring, and would provide a suitable entry for Vintage Sports-Car Club or Bentley Drivers Club events. Accordingly, it is ready for road use, with a current MoT and road fund licence.
Registration No. KU 631
Chassis No. 113
Engine No. 113
Blue with brown leather interior
Engine: four cylinder in-line, four valves per cylinder, single overhead camshaft through bevel drive, five bearing crankshaft, 2,996cc; Gearbox: four speed A type; Brakes: rear wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs all round. Right hand drive.
The immortal 3 Litre model marks the foundation of the Bentley legend. It was the first model built by Bentley Motors Limited of Cricklewood in North London - the first complete automotive creation of Walter Owen Bentley to bear his name. Sales commenced in 1921 although production was not properly developed until 1922. Even so, 141 of these cars were built in their first year, all on a 9ft 9½ in. chassis. From the beginning 'W.O.' insisted that all his cars should carry a five year guarantee a telling reflection of his own and his company's skills.
Bentley fully intended to promote his new cars by racing them and by supporting competition minded customers. As a consequence, Bentley ran cars in any event they stood a chance of winning, beginning with a factory team of three flat-radiator 3 Litres entered in the 1922 RAC Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, where they won the Team Prize.
This 3 Litre dates from that first year of production and success, being sold new to a Mr. E.W. Knowles, who within a year, had sold it in turn to a Mr. R. Smith, both gentlemen from Bradford, where the car was originally registered, as confirmed by its 'KU' registration prefix. From the logbook with the car, Mr Smith seems to have kept it until 1968, when he sold it to a lady in Dorset, the car changed hands in that county once again until its purchase by the current owner.
As the build-sheets do not mention coachwork, it cannot be conclusively proved that the body is original to the car. However, newspaper articles offered with it refer to Speed trials carried out on the Morecambe New Road during their Summer Carnival on the 19th September 1923, which depict Mr Smith 'of Bradford' campaigning the 'KU 631' at speed, clearly fitted with this coachwork. It seems likely therefore that the car was supplied new in this form. Certainly the coachwork appears to have been on the car for a large proportion of its life, and as it retains original chassis, engine, steering box and bonnet with matching numbers, one would assume an uncomplicated history.
Restored prior to purchase by the current owner, this well-presented early Bentley, provides seating for two persons, together with a large storage compartment at the rear, and is fitted with cycle wings. On correct beaded edge wheels, a spare is mounted to the nearside of the bodywork, and a tool box to the other, whilst Lucas headlights, a calorimeter and nickel fittings, as well as a hood in black double-duck, complete the car.
Offered for sale from a private stable of Bentley motor cars, this attractive sporting 3 Litre with lightweight coachwork epitomises Twenties motoring, and would provide a suitable entry for Vintage Sports-Car Club or Bentley Drivers Club events. Accordingly, it is ready for road use, with a current MoT and road fund licence.