Sold: Feb 23, 2016

Found on STANLEY MANN RACING website on Feb 23, 2016

"1923 VINTAGE BENTLEY 3/4½ LTR SPEED MODEL
Registration Number: XP 7926 Chassis Number: 376 Engine Number: 378

A genuine 1924 3 Litre Speed model with a detailed works history which has benefitted from the ownership of vintage Bentley enthusiasts, one of whom carried out a complete engine rebuild 9 years ago using an original 4½ litre block. Of course it doesn’t end there. As well as fitting a new Farndon crankshaft, Arrow rods and Aries pistons the 4 star differential was rebuilt with a 3.3 ratio. All this carried out by a highly experienced Bentley engineer and racer."

Bentley Drivers Club at Silverstone - Saturday 10th August 2013

Bentley Drivers Day, August 2013

Found on STANLEY MANN RACING website on Jul 21, 2008

"This original Bentley 3 litre Red Label Speed model was for many years owned by Bentley restorer and specialist Basil Mountfort who stored her in his shed at Henley on Thames, Oxford.

Bas was a good mate and after the war married Clarrisa and together they raced vintage Bentleys to great success from 1949 to 1995.

He was also part owner of Hoffman’s & Mountfort who were, in the 1950s-80s, one of the main vintage Bentley restorers in the UK."

Stanlay Mann states that he met Basil over 40 years ago... Basil's knowledge on vintage Bentleys was vast... All who knew him knew of his passion for Cricklewood Bentleys.

Mann further says, "In the early 90s when he was selling his collection, Tom Rylands, a vintage Bentley enthusiast, managed to prize it away from him... All the parts; original engine, chassis, gear box, back axle, etc. were all there so only a new body was required. This work was entrusted to James Pearce, one of the best vintage Bentley body builders, to Tom’s order as a traditional VDP style four seater sports speed model tourer."

Found on STANLEY MANN RACING website on Sep 13, 2008

Jun 3, 2008:
The Stanley Mann Racing website states that this car was rebuilt about 10 years ago as a VDP style four-seater Sports Speed model tourer.

To quote Stanley Mann, "We sold her some 2 years ago to a sporty proper chap who decided, as she was such a good looking Bentley, to upgrade her to full Le Mans spec and rebuild the engine to 4½ litre capacity... This involved complete refit with an original Bentley block of 4½ litre (Lucky chap! I wonder where he found that). Then fitting new Farndon crank, shell bearings, Arrow rods, and Aries pistons so as a good solid fast performance now be required."

Mann further adds, "3.3 rear axle rebuilt with new bearings 4 star diff etc and new wheels, tyres."

Found on STANLEY MANN RACING website on Aug 7, 2004

"A superb rebuilt Speed model Bentley with the classic V D P style 4 seater tourer body.

When the phone rings at the Fruit Farm the most asked questions are whether I have a 4½ or a 3 litre speed model, preferably in traditional British Racing Green.

Now this car definitely ticks all the boxes. Fully restored some 9 years ago but with low mileage. She looks great, drives well, and will make someone a very happy new Bentley owner. The pictures only tell half the story, one needs to come in and touch the metal.

If you ever had a hankering for a real vintage Bentley that will do rallies, family days out, etc. this should be top of your list.

I think I have priced her fairly and over the years should grow in value."

"1923 Genuine Speed model with correct matching engine. High quality replica VdP Bentley

XP 7926, chassis 376, Engine 378 is the classic archetypal Short Chassis Speed model, with replica 4-seat Sports body , 'A' type gearbox and Sloper carbs. New Brakes, new clutch, rebuilt magnetos etc., etc."