Vehicle Description
1924 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model
This original 3 Litre Speed model was believed to be the first
example to have SU Sloper carburettors fitted. The Vanden Plas
Tourer body was fitted in period and has remained on the car ever
since. Having enjoyed just three private owners from new, the
Bentley spent a number of years in the sunny climes of South Africa
and in 1982 the original engine was replaced with a correct and
original engine from another 3 Litre.
Acquired on behalf of a client in 2008, JD Classics were
commissioned to complete a no expense spared total restoration and
prepare the car for the gruelling Peking-Paris rally. The brief was
to ensure the car was safe, fast and reliable so that the event
could be properly enjoyed by the owner.
The Bentley was totally stripped and the chassis was acid dipped,
re-riveted and any stress cracks repaired. Flexible chassis and
torsional strengtheners were designed and fabricated as were
various chassis location bars for ancillary equipment and the
chassis location points for ancillary bars were strengthened prior
to the entire chassis being fully repainted.
All suspension and steering components were completely overhauled
and upgraded as was the braking system to Bentley 4.5 Litre
specification.
Both the engine and gearbox were upgraded to 4.5 Litre
specification and all the internals of the engine were completely
custom made in house using steel billet which included the valves,
con-rods, crankshaft, camshaft and pistons to ensure the car was
mechanically bullet proof. The engine oil pump was redesigned and
fabricated and the cylinder block water and oil ways were modified
for better flow and higher oil pressure. The carburettors were
converted to SU's and a custom made mild steel exhaust system was
fabricated and fitted.�
The dashboard was redesigned to accommodate extra instrumentation
whilst all the original instruments were restored. A satellite
telephone and GPS system was fitted to the dashboard and the
windscreen and frame assembly were nickel plated.�
A new wiring loom was designed and fitted with an alternator
charging system and the headlamp system redesigned to ensure
efficient lighting. Auxiliary interior lighting and fog lamps were
fitted as well as headlamp and spot lamp stone guards.�
The ash frame was restored and any rotten ash removed and replaced
as well as the fabric on the body. New cycle wings and side running
board storage boxes were designed and fabricated as well as a long
range fuel tank with integral filler system, front and rear spare
wheel carriers and custom made wire wheels were made.�
A custom engine and gearbox sump guard assembly was manufactured
and the radiator redesigned with custom made high capacity core.
The radiator shroud was nickel plated and a windscreen wiper system
was designed and installed.
After significant financial investment, development and time, the 3
Litre was finished and successfully participated and completed the
Peking-Paris rally to the delight of the owner and JD Classics.
Offered today in excellent condition, this wonderful and highly
developed Speed model could be your entry into the next event!
Please contact us for�further details.� �������������������
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