Chassis 148 - 1923 Bentley 3 Litre

 

Chassis 148 was purchased by Kim Graves in 1994 and resides in Victoria, Australia presently.

 

Mona Nath: What do you know about the history of the car prior to your purchase in 1994?
Kim Graves: The belief is that the car came to Australia very early in its life, possibly from new and was bodied in Melbourne, Australia. It was once owned by an Australian explorer in South Australia. The car was broken up and I (and others) have been gathering pieces for many years.

 

The reference in Michael Hay's book to the first owner is now known to be incorrect, the first owner being J Grice of South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (and not F. Massey Burnside).

 

Mona Nath: For Reg. no., you have indicated 'Unregistered'. I suppose it has an Australian reg plate?
Kim Graves: I do not have an original registration but I believe the registration in South Australia was 78 575.

 

Mona Nath: Re the engine fitted in the car: Michael Hay's 1997 book reports that it is "Much modified - 8 cylinder Buick engine fitted post-war." So is the engine no. 694, mentioned by you, that Buick engine?
Kim Graves: Engine 694 is a 3 litre Bentley engine - originally being in chassis 685 (Michael Hay's 1997 book). My understanding is that when powered by the Buick engine the car was what would be described as a 'special', having been made in South Australia.

 

Mona Nath: Please send a few current photos of the car if possible and also older ones of course!
Kim Graves: I don't have any 'current photos', other than parts being refurbished but one day... As for old photos there are a couple in a Bentley Drivers Club (UK) Review (No 159 February 1986) that I have seen but I do not own such a review.