VSCC Loton Park - Sunday 13th September 2015

VSCC Autumn Sprint, Goodwood - October 2014

VSCC Loton Park Hill Climb, Shropshire - Sunday 15th September 2013

From the article 'European Visit' article and photographs by John King

"Robert Craven (left) in Chassis 640, and Iain Warner in Chassis AX1652, line up in their 3-litres for a damp VSCC Prescott. Despite appearances, this is not a grumpy Muppet waving a pencil on the right of the picture."

"As the present owner of this car I was interested in the information recently given by Chris Tutton, the son of a former owner. I'd like to know if he has any further details..."

1924 Bentley 3 litre
Registration No. XU 3281
Car No. 90 driven by Robert Craven
VSCC Prescot, August 2010

Wiscombe Park Hill Climb 2010

"I think the body is original, but I'm not sure. There are no identifying marks on it. The car took part in the 1935 Monte Carlo Rally and had an accident during the driving tests at the end, but after that I know little of its history until the 1970s. For a long period it was fitted with a 4½ litre engine, but the original 3 litre was replaced in the early 70s."

"This is a super Red Label Speed Model Bentley finished in my favourite colours of British Racing Green with matching upholstery.

She drives very well and was delivered to us today under here own steam some 120 miles (this is always a good sign).

Specifications of this Bentley
Body almost certainly by V.D.P. ( Van Den Plas ) (an original body)
Electrics upgraded with late dynamo and big magnetos (huge spark which definitely makes them go)
A type close ratio gearbox (correct and very sporty)
Stone guarded radiator (very posh)
Full instruments including rev counter (these are like hens teeth to find )
Original engine, but fitted with late coaxial starter (proper and reliable)
Retrimed in green hide showing a little patination (definitely not shagged but bum wear) only joking.
Brake original but hydraulic operating to fronts so she always stops straight."

For a long period this car was fitted with a 4½ litre engine, but the original 3 litre was replaced in the early 70s.

"Used to have a lift home from school in this car in the 1950s."

"This is the car that my parents purchased at the end of the last war. It was in a barn and the back axle had failed. So my late father repaired the car and it remained as regular transport until 1974/5 when it was sold to a Mr Hallam of Little Hayfield, North Derbyshire UK.

There are a number stories I could relate about this car, including a later accident that the car encountered. My late mother to whom the car belonged took her Advanced Driving Test with the car and it is believed that she was the first woman in the United Kingdom to ever have done so and passed. (1958)"

"The car belonged to my mother, however, driven by both my parents! As stated previously, i have worked on the car, drove it only briefly, but Iam happy to 'fill-in' any gaps on the car's history that i know about for you."

"My late mother owned (1940-1975) the car and I in a small way, worked on the car from time to time. The body of the car was made by Park Ward and is the original one, to the best of my knowledge, supplied with the rolling-chassis.

Victor Gibbons who says he had 'lifts' (in this car), is correct, we were at school together! (See above)

The 4½ litre engine fitted in this car in the late 50s eventually ended up in the 1928 3 litre car KD 123 ... and this car was also driven by both my parents was sold it to Bruce Brown with that engine still in the car. This is why KD 123 has a 4½ litre Steering-Box and Mags which were Syntillas! My father changed these two units at the same time because the box was badly worn. (I lost the sight of my left-eye working on the rear hood-studs on this car December 1971!!!)"

"Some more pictures of the car competing in the 1935 Monte Carlo Rally. The car was driven by Robert Grant Ferris and I think the pictures show it in Kungsbacka, Sweden."

"The above photograph is of XU 3281 coming to grief in the driving tests at the end of the 1935 Monte Carlo Rally."

This car took part in the 1935 Monte Carlo Rally and had an accident during the driving tests.