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1927 Bentley 3 Litre    
Original 1926 Numbers
Chassis No. DE1220
Engine No. DE1225
Registration No. YR 509

  This car - updated
Chassis No. DE1220
Engine No. DE1225
Registration No. YR 509

(Updated with information from Bonhams. - June 2018)
 
September 2019
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1926 Bentley 3-Litre Vanden Plas Tourer
Kop Hill Climb, September 2019

The Vanden Plas Tourer body (no. 1292) is original. Painted silver over maroon when new, it was repainted green in the mid 1930s.

 
     
     
  Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Roy Cousins'
Posted: May 15, 2020
 
     
September 2019
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Goodwood Revival, September 2019

 
     
     
  Source: Sports Car Digest
Posted: Apr 30, 2020
 
     
September 2019
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Goodwood Revival, September 2019

 
     
     
  Source: Flickr, posted by user 'Jan Martin'
Posted: Dec 20, 2019
 
     
June 2018
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Found on Bonhams website on June 27, 2018

Lot 353
13 Jul 2018, 14:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood


The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale
Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia

1926 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Sports Tourer
Chassis no. DE1220 ~ Engine no. DE1225 (see text)
Body no. 1292
Coachwork by Vanden Plas
£ 380,000 - 420,000

Coachwork by Vanden Plas
Chassis no. DE1220 Body no. 1292
Engine no. DE1225 (see text)

- Original Red Label Speed Model Bentley
- Superb condition after comprehensive restoration
- Well-documented car, with interesting well documented history back to day one
- Many period photographs included in the extensive history file.
- Rare, surviving original-bodied Vanden Plas car
- Dr. Clare Hay report on file

FOOTNOTES
The genre of the sporting Vintage Bentley dates from the earliest days of Walter Owen Bentley's founding of the firm that bore his name and the partnership of his chassis and coachwork which was provided by local coachbuilder Vanden Plas. Between them they created a style that remained with the company throughout its first era of production: that of a compact sports car with lightweight open four seater touring bodywork. It was in this same guise that virtually all of the famed Le Mans campaigns were undertaken. Even when the 4-cylinder cars were usurped by their 6-cylinder models, the most sporting examples were still built in this guise. The legend of the 'Bentley Boys', Tim Birkin and their Le Mans successes, created the spirit and character of the brand that perpetuates today, particularly since its reinvigoration from the early 2000s. It is for this reason that the iconic Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model with Vanden Plas coachwork is such an important part of the Bentley story.

The story begins with early success in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, where Bentleys finished second, fourth, and fifth and took the Team Prize, which led to the introduction of the 3-Litre TT Replica (later known as the Speed Model) on the existing 9' 9½" wheelbase, short standard chassis.
Identified by the Red Label on its radiator, the Speed Model differed by having twin SU 'sloper' carburetors, a higher compression ratio, different camshaft, and the close-ratio A-type gearbox, the latter being standard equipment prior to 1927 when the C-type gearbox was adopted. These engine changes increased maximum power from the standard 70 to 80bhp and raised the top speed to an impressive 90mph. Other enhancements included the larger (11-gallon) fuel tank and (usually) Andre Hartford shock absorbers.

The 3-Litre was by far the most popular model of Vintage Bentley production, with some 1613 chassis built, however of those only a third were the short chassis Speed models. By the very nature of their racing association the privateers that bought these cars in the Roaring Twenties were keen to push these cars to their limits. A cursory glance through a few of the period service records show many returns to the factory following accident damage, making the actual survival statistics for all 3-Litres less than half of the original production. When it comes to the Vanden Plas 3-Litres, the actual number of surviving examples of what is undeniably the iconic Vintage Bentley look is rather modest, and they rarely appear for sale.

Bonhams is proud to offer one of these much coveted original Vanden Plas bodied Sports Touring 'Speed' Models. This jewel-like 3-Litre Sports model has an illustrious and well-known history having remained in the UK for much of its life and being prized since the early days of the car hobby. The extensive file with the car, comprising three full leather-bound volumes, charts photos of the car from the 1920s onwards.

DE1220 left the works in September 1926, destined for its first owner Eric Loder, and was accordingly registered with him in London, with the now distinctive plate 'YR 509'. When new, it was finished in silver over maroon paintwork and in this form can be seen as one of a group of cars in a photo in the Autocar on the seafront in Cannes in the South of France. By the mid-1930s however it had been repainted green, a colour scheme it retains today. It survived the 1930s and war era without issue, such that by the early '50s it was already well known in the Bentley Drivers Club circles, by now owned by noted enthusiast Philip Mann.
In his hands the car is likely to have received its first restoration and in testament to that rebuild, when exhibited at the 1956 Bentley Drivers Club Concours in Kensington Gardens – then one of the premier events of its kind in the world – it was awarded First in Class honours! It was also raced at Silverstone, and other events during this period, and there are many contemporary pictures on file showing the car in action.

It is thought that during this part of its career it may have had damage to the engine, as the upper half of the crankcase, while re-numbered correctly with the original number, does date from an earlier engine, and must have been replaced. Around this time, the car was also driven by much loved racer Mike Hawthorn in a Cavalcade of British Cars at Le Mans, and it features pictorially in the Hawthorn book "Golden Boy". In the 1960s, another popular racer, and hero of the Bentley Le Mans story S.C.H. 'Sammy' Davis would drive the Bentley at Oulton Park.

At this point, the car migrated to the USA where it remained with two long term owners, again active in the BDC, until the mid-1980s. Its original registration number was returned to the car on the arrival back in Britain and it would continue a lower key, but well maintained and managed life back home. At some point in this journey, perhaps for fashion and to cover its aging lightweight alloy coachwork, the metal tub was covered with fabric. The present owner, a passionate enthusiast for the 'Best of British' cars, acquired the '3' in 2010. Recognising its rarity as one of few original-bodied examples that have survived their 90+ years he commissioned a full restoration of the car.

The car was rebuilt from the ground up. Its engine was checked over carefully and found to need little attention, having previously been rebuilt with a new Phoenix crankshaft and rods. The cosmetics and bodywork were by now somewhat tired and in need of a thorough and careful refurbishment. This work was carried out to the highest possible standards, the later fabric and old skins removed from the wood frame, and the wood repaired where necessary.
The entire car was repainted in Brewster Green using traditional and correct nitro-cellulose paint, echoing the works Napier Green racers. The leather upholstery was completely retrimmed and chosen to match the coachwork, while all brightwork was exquisitely re-plated in contrasting nickel, and the imposing high-quality Carl Zeiss headlights, which had been on the car from the 1950s, were retained.

The result is simply stunning, it has taken a car that is rare by definition and placed it in a condition which very few of these cars have been treated to. In 2018, the Bentley has been freshly serviced by R.C. Moss and, adding to its extensive file, the car has received a report by Dr. Clare Hay.

This car is for sale as of June 27, 2018

 
     
     
  Source: Bonhams
Posted: Jun 30, 2018
 
     
June 2012
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BDC Summer Concours, Boughton House Kettering, June 2012

 
     
     
  Source: Russell Browne
Posted: Jun 10, 2013
 
     
June 2012
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"Some pictures of YR 509 from the BDC Concours at Boughton House, June 2012."

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers (Owner)
Posted: Jul 02, 2012
 
     
October 2011
 

"I've put my 3 litre, YR 509, into a restoration which should be ready shortly and will send some pictures when it is on the road again."

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers (Owner)
Posted: Oct 08, 2011
 
     
March 2010
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  Source: Tim Summers (Owner)
Posted: Mar 17, 2010
 
     
February 2010
 

This car was bought by Tim Summers in 2010.

"Car now in the UK, having been in France for a year or two. Still with original body, and matching numbers."

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers (Owner)
Posted: Feb 27, 2010
 
     
February 2008
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This photograph and information is from an advertisement which appeared in the February 2008 issue of "Octane" magazine.

Chassis no. 1220 is an original 3-litre Red Label Speed model with matching numbers and original Vanden Plas open four seater coachwork. It has known history pre and post war. Has the desirable phoenix crank and rods upgraded.

 
     
     
  Source: Advertisement in February 2008 issue of "Octane" magazine
Posted: Mar 21, 2008
 
     
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  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Mar 26, 2010
 
     
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1926 Bentley 3 Litre Red Label Speed Model.

 
     
     
  Source: Morris & Welford UK
Posted: Nov 22, 2007
 
     
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  Source: Unknown
Posted: Jul 07, 2009
 
     
2006
In England in 2006 / Owned by a BDC member
1976
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The Yankee-Maritime Spring Tour, 1976

"Hugh Harben, Vice President of the Bentley Drivers' Club wheels Conrad Karras' 3 Liter Vintage Bentley DE1220 from the hold of the Norwegian M/S BOLERO. Initial reaction to loading was that a prehistoric monster was swallowing the cars." — From the article 'The Yankee-Maritime Spring Tour'

 
     
     
  Source: The Flying Lady, September 1976
Posted: Jul 18, 2013
 
     
1974
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YR 509 was in the USA from 1963 to 1987, when it returned to the UK via Stanley Mann. It was owned by Conrad Karras from New Jersey in the early 1970's and he won "Best in Class Vintage Bentley" at the 1973 USA RROC Concours at Newport, Rhode Island. Attached some pictures from that time when the bonnet was in bare aluminium and he had a trunk fitted at the rear for touring.

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Feb 03, 2012
 
     
1973
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The 1973 Annual Meet - Newport, R.I.
Conrad Karras's 3 litre Bentley DEI220 from New Jersey

 
     
     
  Source: The Flying Lady, November 1973
Posted: Jul 16, 2013
 
     
1963
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U.S.A. 1963

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Mar 26, 2010
 
     
1960 or 1961
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"I took this photograph at the Richard Seaman Memorial Trophies meeting at Oulton Park in either 1960 or 1961. Sammy Davis is at the wheel, I believe."

 
     
     
  Source: Dave Williams
Posted: May 04, 2015
 
     
1960
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PAC-traditierit, Oct 9, 1960

 
     
     
  Source: Hans Hugenholtz
Posted: Nov 16, 2012
 
     
  "This is a late 1950s-1960s period photo — same lights, same screen/wipers, same running board arrangement, same number plate on close examination, same everything... Beyond all reasonable doubt this is DE1220 if not I'd be interested to know why..." — From our regular contributor (name withheld) in the UK, Feb 28, 2013  
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Photograph was taken for program for Rolls-Royce and Bentley meet.

 
     
     
  Source: Rolls-Royce and Bentley Blenheim Palace Meeting program, Jun. 3, 1962
Posted: Dec 29, 2006
 
     
September 1957
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On the right is "an offiside view of the engine showing the 'sloper' S.V. carburetter and Autovac. The petrol pump and long pull-off springs are modern additions."

This car was owned by Philip Mann at the time.

 
     
     
  Source: 'The Veteran and Vintage' magazine, September 1957 (Made available by Tim Summers & Mark Donaldson)
Posted: Aug 26, 2010
 
     
1957
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In London, 1957

 
     
     
  Source: Pathe News
Posted: Dec 12, 2009
 
     
1950s
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"This picture (editorial drawing) is from the book 'Mike Hawthorn, Golden Boy' showing Mike driving YR509 at Le Mans sometime in the 1950s."

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Dec 21, 2011
 
     
1950s
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  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Feb 03, 2012
 
     
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Photograph was taken for program for Anglo-American Vintage Car Rally through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

 
     
     
  Source: Anglo-American Vintage Car Rally program, Apr. 23-30, 1957
Posted: Feb 05, 2007
 
     
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"1927 Bentley 3-litre. Chassis no. DE 1220"

 
     
     
  Source: Flickr, posted by user 'McKenzie Guppy'
Posted: Apr 15, 2015
 
     
1932
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John W Wood, 1932

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Mar 26, 2010
 
     
March 1927
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Cannes - March 25, 1927. This photo was published in Autocar.

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Mar 26, 2010
 
     
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Sammy in driver's seat.

 
     
     
  Source: Tim Summers
Posted: Mar 26, 2010
 
     
EARLIEST RECORD OF HISTORICAL FACTS & INFORMATION
 
Chassis No. DE1220
Engine No. DE1225
Registration No. YR 509
Date of Delivery: Sep 1926
Type of Body: 4-seater
Coachbuilder: Vanden Plas
Type of Car: SP
   
First Owner: LODER E
 
     
  More Info: According to original Vanden Plas Coachbuilder records, this car was originally fitted with Body No. 1292 with a standard 4-seater Sports; silver / maroon; 8/1926.

Michael Hay, in his book Bentley: The Vintage Years, 1997, states: "Vanden Plas body no. 1292. Accident 3/30 - frame reconditioned. In USA."
 
     
     
  Updated: Jul 04, 2007
Posted: Mar 01, 2007
 
     
 
 
 
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Sep 30, 2020 - Info and photograph received from Simon Hunt for Chassis No. RL3439
Sep 30, 2020 - Info and photographs received from Dick Clay for Chassis No. 147
Sep 29, 2020 - Info and photographs received from Ernst Jan Krudop for his Chassis No. AX1651
Sep 28, 2020 - Info and photographs received from Lars Hedborg for his Chassis No. KL3590
Sep 25, 2020 - Info and photograph added for Registration No. XV 3207
Sep 24, 2020 - Info and photograph added for Registration No. YM 7165
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