Goodwood Revival, September 2019

Photographs were taken at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 2019

"Please find attached photos of MH 7580, taken on 4 July 2019 at Goodwood Festival of Speed."

24 Hours at Portimao, October 2013

BDC Silverstone, August 2012

James took the 1925 3-Litre Bentley Le Mans Team Car ‘Number 10’ to the Schloss Bensberg Concours

Sep 26, 2012: Sold

Description of car found on PreWarCar.com:

1925 Bentley 3 Litre, Le Mans Team Car
Chassis: 1138
Registration: MH 7580

Chassis 1138, the 3-Litre Bentley you see on the stand today, was the first factory works Le Mans entry, piloted by Dudley Benjafield and Bertie Kensington-Moir. WO Bentley had learnt much from Duff’s previous Le Mans exploits, and he went about preparing 1138 in his usual fastidious manner.

The chassis was fitted with a Vanden Plas four-seat body with a lower, more aerodynamic windscreen. A large, 25 gallon fuel tank was installed as well as stone guards to the radiator, head lights, sump and petrol tank. A leather strap held the bonnet in place whilst the standard road springs were tightly bound so as to stiffen the suspension. The engine was also up-rated to ‘Supersports’ specification, which included a higher compression ratio and twin S.U. ‘sloper’ carburettors. Duel fuel pipes, sheathed in rubber, as well as a duel wiring system similar to those used on aircraft were further measures to help defeat the rigours of such a tough race.

1925 was the first year of the classic Le Mans start, with rules stating that the first 20 laps had to be run with the hood up. This also governed when a car could first stop for fuel and water, and Bentley decided to combine lowering the roof and a petrol stop into one. The minimum amount of fuel for the 20 laps had been calculated, and both cars started well, setting a remarkable pace, with Kensington-Muir regularly achieving over 90 mph. However there had been a serious error in the calculations: no one had taken into account the extra fuel used when the hood was erect, and both cars failed to make the 20 laps.

1138 was then briefly used as a factory demonstrator, but led a relatively quiet life after its 1925 Le Mans race. In 2001 it was decided that a complete and absolutely accurate restoration would be made on the car. This was overseen by William Medcalf, who was as fastidious in his attention to detail as WO Bentley. During the restoration, it became apparent just how original this car was, and everything was done to preserve this. Usability was also considered, the engine being rebuilt with a Pheonix crank, new bearings and Arias pistons. With the restoration finished, 1138 went on to win the 2004 Bentley Drivers Club Concours at Hatfield House.

1138 represents a hugely important example not just of Bentley, but British motoring history. The first Bentley factory entry for Le Mans, it remains today a very well restored, original example of one of the most significant British racing cars of all time.

Rétromobile, February 2012

Bought by Alan Minchin in 2001, this car was Bentley Motors first team car for the 1925 24 hour Le Mans Race. It was first owned by Bentley Motors and then used as the works demonstrator by A. F. C. Hillstead before being sold on. I purchased the car in 2001 and totally rebuilt it from the chassis up to the 1925 race format, using period computer enhanced photographs. She won the BDC concours, vintage section and overall car of the show in 2005.

Photograph was taken in June 2007 at Rousham House and Gardens during 2007 Bentley Drivers Club concours.

This photograph was taken during the 2006 Bentley Drivers Club 70th Anniversary Summer Rally and Concours d'Elegance.

Enfield Motoring Pageant, 2005

Photograph was taken during Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Hatfield House in June 2004.

I attach a few photos from my 2000 trip to Le Mans with the car – very kindly loaned to me by the then owner.

"...being sold through Coys of Kensington ay an auction in Chelsea." "...Coys spokesman Paul Dwyer said: "They are truly historic vehicles which established a legend and inspired collectors to build replicas. But these are the real things — history on wheels."

Photographs were taken at Everett Paul's home in Dickinson, Texas, in July 1982. Car was owned at that time by Don E. Weber in San Antonio, Texas.

Photographs were taken at a Bentley Drivers Club Regional Meet in Clear Lake, Texas, in 1982. Car was owned at that time by Don E. Weber in San Antonio, Texas.

Read article 'Mad Dogs, Englishmen and Texans' by Everett Pauls & Don Weber

Photographs were taken at a Rolls-Royce Owner's Club Regional Meet in Salado, Texas, in May 1977. Car was owned at that time by Don E. Weber in San Antonio, Texas.

1925 Team car, Chassis No. 1138 registered MH7580. Official Works entry driven by J D Benjafield and Bertie Kensington-Moir. According to Michael Hay, "No. 10 was subsequently used as a demonstrator by A F C Hillstead and was road tested by 'The Motor' in their issue of 24th November 1925. No. 10 is now (i.e. around 1997) owned by P A Leach."

Read article 'Mad Dogs, Englishmen and Texans' by Everett Pauls & Don Weber

Rare photographs of the 1925 Bentley 3 litre factory Le Mans entry unearthed
One of the great joys of working with important old cars is what turns up whilst researching their history, these little seen photos being a first rate example. Whilst investigating the history of the first Bentley factory Le Mans entry from 1925, a 3 Litre that we are currently offering for sale, marque specialist Clare Hay uncovered these fabulous photos. The first is of the two works drivers, Dudley Benjafield and Bertie Kensington-Moir, waiting at scrutineering before the start of the race. As you can see, they were appropriately dressed for the occasion and the Bentley was still looking very clean!

The second picture, with the hood erected, captures what must have been a heartbreaking moment for the Bentley team. 1925 was the first year of the classic Le Mans start, with rules stating that the first 20 laps had to be run with the hood up. This also governed when a car could first stop for fuel and water, and Bentley decided to combine lowering the roof and a petrol stop into one. The minimum amount of fuel for the 20 laps had been calculated, the Bentley starting well and setting a remarkable pace, with Kensington Moir regularly achieving over 90 mph. However there had been a serious error in the calculations: no one had taken into account the extra fuel used when the hood was erect, and none of the Bentley’s made the required 20 laps.