To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$300,000 - $400,000
- Offered from the Todd and Peggy Nagler Collection
- The centerpiece of the collection since 1975
- Driven extensively all over the country by the Nagler
family
- An authentic Speed Model with its original chassis and
coachwork
- Documented in a detailed report by vintage Bentley expert Clare
Hay
- Extensive, exhaustive history and maintenance file
- One of the very best-known, longest-owned examples of its
kind
A veteran of designing RAF aeroengines during World War I, W.O.
Bentley next created a sporting motor car unequaled in its era. The
3-Litre saw production of 1,624 cars in three wheelbase
configurations and three performance levels, including the aptly
named Speed Model with its distinctive red radiator badge, or "Red
Label." Quality control was peerless; Bentley preferred customers
send their chassis to one of a hundred coachbuilders approved by
the company, and then inspected the finished car thoroughly before
allowing it to be sold; each 3-Litre carried a five-year
guarantee!
THE NAGLER 3-LITRE: CHASSIS NUMBER 1108
Chassis number 1108 was originally delivered to a J. L. Loftus in
August 1925 equipped with Vanden Plas "sporting four-seater" body
no. 1172, as noted in the build records maintained by the W.O.
Bentley Memorial Foundation. Regular services are recorded for the
car through 1936. In December 1949 the Bentley was recorded as
being owned by one K. J. Dangerfield, followed by A. Terrill,
Charles Meredith, and Charles Tudsbury. Mr. Meredith corresponded
with the Bentley Drivers Club, who informed him of the change to
the present correct 3-Litre engine, no. SR 1424, and noted that the
brakes had been converted to hydraulic specification by
Dangerfield. According to vintage Bentley expert Clare Hay, engine
no. SR 1424 was fitted in the mid- to late 1930s and was a "big
sump" version that would help prepare the Bentley for "competition
work." This is further supported by pre-war competition photos
taken of the car at Donington adorned in racing number 33. Another
note in the file indicates that the car was still being driven in a
spirited manner well after the war, having taken 1st in Class at
the Bentley Drivers Club Concours in both 1956 and 1957.
In 1961 the car was purchased by Edward C. Selfe, who retained
ownership of it for 14 years. In 1975 it became available and,
following considerable detailed correspondence between both
parties, was sold late in the year to Charles Nagler. Thus began a
span of ownership that has continued longer than nearly any other
vintage Bentley in the United States-45 years with one family.
The Naglers' typical detailed level of research into correctness
and finishes began virtually upon delivery. Skilled local craftsman
and fellow 3-Litre owner Connie Bouchard completed significant
mechanical sorting during 1976, including rebuilding the engine
with rebabbited pistons and new bearings, rebuilding the
carburetors and magnetos, and crafting a new exhaust system.
Hofmann & Mountfort supplied correct new springs as part of the
Naglers' long and methodical process to continually maintain and
upgrade performance using correct and authentic replacement parts,
including the sourcing of its correct original type SU G5 "sloper"
carburetors.
Indications are that the car was first shown by the family at an
Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada meet in 1977, before much of
the restoration had been undertaken. The completed car was entered
into Rolls-Royce Owners' Club competition at the National Meet in
1992, achieving 92 out of 100 points, with Todd Nagler showing it
for his family. In correspondence to a former owner, he noted that
he had personally completed the mechanical and bodywork
restoration, with only paint and upholstery done by others. British
craftsman John Hunt also contributed greatly to the work, helping
to source and fabricate numerous rare parts. The car was regularly
driven from 500 to 1,000 miles every year of the Naglers'
ownership, attending numerous Bentley Drivers Club rallies and
functions in the Midwest. Most recently it was exhibited in 2019 at
the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club National Meet in Troy, Michigan.
Accompanying the car is, of course, the highly detailed Nagler
history file, including correspondence with owners back to the
1950s, and virtually complete records of restoration and
maintenance since the Naglers' 1975 acquisition, down to Connie
Bouchard and John Hunt's copious, meticulously detailed handwritten
notes regarding the rebuilding of virtually every component. Also
included for prospective buyers' review is a detailed report of
1108 by vintage Bentley expert Clare Hay documenting this car from
its origin to present day.
The 3-Litre Speed Model is a fabulous automobile, and no one has
known that better than the Nagler family, who have driven this car
many, many thousands of miles. It has been the centerpiece and
prize of the collection, and it is Peggy Nagler's sincere hope that
it continues to cover many miles more, bringing a new owner the
happiness it brought her husband and his family over the last 45
years.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.