Interesting 3ltr for auction

John Murch · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 9:04 am Post subject: Interesting 3ltr for auction

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/5-1926-bentley-3-litre-speed-by-vanden-plas/?lot=16620

Not sure how unknown this one was, always amazes me when cars like this appear.

Martin Webster · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 3:28 pm Post subject:

Hi John,
Listed as owned by a club member from 1963 to 1976. Originally a Freestone and Webb four seater not a VDP body.
Martin

John Murch · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 3:42 pm Post subject:

Interesting, in the Clare Hay’s books it is listed as leaving the works with a vdp 4 seat tourer body. Where did you spot the F &W connection?

Martin Webster · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:21 pm Post subject:

My apologies John, you are absolutely correct. I was reading from Stan Sedgwick’s All the Pre War Bentleys As New and I transposed the numbers. VDP it is and first owner Beris Harcourt Wood and Nicholas Ciclitira.

Martin

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2024 9:35 am Post subject:

Wow! Thanks for the heads up.
I was thinking how well preserved it is, until I saw the photograph of the chassis. I wonder if it was parked under a roof leak?
It will cost more to restore than it will subsequently be worth but that's not the point is it?

John Murch · Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:51 pm Post subject:

It sold well at the auction, with the buyers premium, over £150k, I'm not sure if the chassis could be saved, it was in a state, but with skill I'm sure it will appear in a couple of years time looking wonderful.

Iain Warner · Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2024 8:09 pm Post subject:

I've just scrolled through the 64 photos. There does not seem to be one part of the car that does not require major work or replacement. I hate to think what the final cost would be to get it back on the road again.