The Flying Scotsman Rally, April 2018

The 6th Peking to Paris Motor Challenge 2016

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Feb 1, 2016: Sold

"1925 vintage Bentley 3-4½L ‘Speed Model’ OM6832
Chassis No 976
Reg No OM 6832

After initially being used as a development car by Bentley Motors for a experimental 4½ litre engine, this vintage Bentley, Reg OM 6832, was then used as a ‘work hack’ at the 1927 Le Mans event, where the company was victorious.

As well as transporting mechanics and spares to the track, this vintage Bentley was prepared to a very high standard so that it could be used as a mobile spares department.

Pictured outside the Hippodrome Café on the Mulsanne’s straight next to the Number 3 car, which went on to win the race..."

Le Mans Classic, 2007

This photograph was taken during the Bentley Drivers Club Parade - Le Mans in June 2007. "I drove the car back to LeMans in 2007, being the 80th anniversary of the great win and 80 years since Chassis No. 976 drove on the circuit."

Peter Watson purchased this car in 2002. The Registration No. was re-issued in 2002.

This car was purchased by Peter Watson in 2002.

First sold in 1925 to F. P. Williams. According to the factory records much work was done in 1926 and the car was bought back by the works during that year.

According to Wally Hassan the car was then used to test the new 4½ litre engine. The factory records show that Engine No. 974 was then fitted to Chassis No. 355 and Chassis No. 976 fitted with Engine No. 974A [records do not indicate that any chassis was originally assigned this engine number. VB.org]. Could this be an early 4½ engine?

The car was taken down to LeMans in 1927 with the three race cars and was used as a practice car and a source for spare parts. The photograph above was taken by Wally Hassan of Old No. 7 and Chassis No. 976 parked outside the Hippodrome cafe on the Mulsanne Straight. We all know what happened next. (See history of Chassis No. LM1344).

During 1928 Wally maintained that Chassis No. 976 continued to be used by the racing department , but I think he was mistaken. I believe that the blue body from Chassis No. 976 was taken off and used on EXP 5, leading him to think that it was the same car.

Factory records show that late in 1927 Chassis No. 976 was owned by Major W. Rathbone and that the guarantee was transferred? The works continued to supply parts for the car untill 1937 including 81.5 piston rings (3 litre). I have no more information on the car other than that the remains were built into the 3 litre I have now using some of the original parts including the front engine support cross member from Chassis No. 976 and the front spring knuckles also from No. 976. All the parts used for the rebuild are original 3 litre Bentley. The Registration No. was re-issued in 2002.

I drove the car back to LeMans last year, being the 80th anniversary of the great win and 80 years since Chassis No. 976 drove on the circuit. Chassis No. 976 may be the original 3 / 4½ or the original bitza.