1925 Bentley 3.0 Litre Red Label with Boat-tail Sports Body with Overdrive.

Restored to show winning standards, interesting history, on its original registration and chassis numbers.

1925 Bentley 3 Litre Boat-Tail Tourer

Registration No:KU 5705 
Chassis No: 954
Engine No: 879

The registration number 'KU 5705' was first issued to a Long Standard Chassis Bentley 3-Litre in March 1925 (Chassis Number '954'). Supplied new to a Miss F.E. Ingelby and bodied as a Vanden Plas 4 / 5 seater Tourer the car was involved in a serious accident many years ago. In his book 'Bentley, The Vintage Years 1919 - 1931', Michael Hay states 'KU 5705' was scrapped and that its chassis used to repair another smashed-up 3-Litre, 'YX 5984' (Chassis Number 'DN1729'). However, the vendor believes part of chassis '954' was mothballed until recently and that it forms the basis of the reincarnated 'KU 5705' (citing a chassis stamping as proof).

We have not compared 'YX 5984' and 'KU 5705' side by side, nor would we pretend to be in a position to authenticate the chassis of either one. The Bentley that we are offering for sale here today is (a) accompanied by a V5C registration document issued to '954' and (b) carries the UK registration number, 'KU 5705'. Regardless of the exact provenance of its chassis, the four-seater has recently benefited from a painstaking restoration. Sitting on a shortened 'Red Label'-esque 9ft 9.5in wheelbase, its Boat-Tail body is said to have been "acquired from another 3-Litre at enormous expense".

Adding a touch of glamour, the engine now fitted to 'KU 5705' began life in the ex-Brooklands Fire Tender / ex-A.F.C. Hillstead 3-Litre 'EC 5874'. While, renowned Bentley racer / restorer Russell 'Rusty' Turner supplied the aluminium back axle. Finished in green with red leather upholstery, 'KU 5705' is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Sporting a new radiator, the four-seater is still in the process of being run-in having covered circa 300 miles since its major mechanical components were refurbished. Like many a W.O. Bentley, 'KU 5705' has rather a chequered past. Something akin to the proverbial 'woodman's axe', this rejuvenated 3-Litre is nonetheless 'on the button' and offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2009.

The Classic Auctions website notes that the car is 'Sold'. — Jan 20, 2009

1925 Bentley 3 Litre Boat-Tail Tourer