Unloading of the Bentley at home after a 4,000 mile round trip to get it.

Ownership
1926 -1933 Sir Harry Warden Chilcott (UK)
Early 1950s Dr. W. Mayne (Bristol, UK)
Late 1950s -1964 John Douglas (UK)
1964 - 1984 O'neil Ford (San Antonio,Texas)
1984 - 2007 Richard "Dick" Burdick (Rosansky, Texas)
2007 - 2014 Richard "Dick" Belveal (Prescott Valley, Arizona)
2014 - 2018 D. Marchand (Mexico City)
2018 - 2019 Mark Hyman Ltd. (St. Louis, Missouri)
July 2019 Tom Batchelor (Reno, Nevada)

This car was purchased by Tom Batchelor in July 2019.

Found on Hyman Ltd. website on December 12, 2018

1925 Bentley 3-Litre Red Label Speed Tourer
Chassis no: AP311 ~ Engine no: HP376 ~ Registration no: YM 1462
Price: $449,500

Virtually every vintage Bentley enthusiast holds a special place in their heart for the heroic Cricklewood-built 3-Litre; the car that started it all for W.O. Bentley when the very first prototype was fired up in 1919. By the following year, Bentley had demonstrator on the road, and by 1921 customers began taking delivery of their magnificent new sports cars. In the hands of works drivers and privateer sportsmen alike, the stout, powerful 3-litre four-cylinder would soon be heard roaring along the great racing circuits of the world. Just a few short years later, a 3-litre brought Bentley its first outright win at LeMans, followed by another win in 1927 that lead to a win streak that lasted until 1930. For a motor company that had been founded just a few short years prior, such results were quite astonishing.

The resounding success of the 3-litre was a testament to the exceptional talent of W.O. Bentley. The large four-cylinder engine featured four valves per cylinder, pent-roof combustion chambers, an overhead camshaft, and twin-plug ignition. The cars were not only powerful but incredibly well-built, with a light but strong chassis that could handle whatever abuse that was thrown at it. Customers could choose from three states of tune as well as three different chassis lengths depending on their wishes, and the 3-litre proved to be an incredibly versatile machine, with bodies (many by Bentley’s favored coachbuilder Vanden Plas) ranging from touring limousines to outright racers. Today, these early Cricklewood Bentleys are highly prized for their spirited performance, robust quality, and unrivaled competition legacy.

It is with great pleasure that we offer this 3-litre Bentley, chassis number AP311; a highly desirable short-chassis “Red Label” Speed model with Super Sports upgrades performed by the factory. Outstanding in every respect, this matching-numbers example is one of just 830 cars built on the shorter 9 ft. 9 ½ in. wheelbase chassis, of which just 513 were red label Speed Models. It is understood that this is the only car so equipped with a Super Sports engine (the remaining Super Sports rode on the race-spec 9-foot chassis).

According to Bentley Driver’s Club records, the first owner of AP311 was Sir Warden Chilcott, notable for being a friend and political confidant of Sir Winston Churchill. Chilcott’s Bentley was delivered on the 11th of December, 1925 wearing a sports four-seater body by Saunders of Cowes, one of just two Bentleys bodied by the firm – both, incidentally, for Sir Chilcott. First registered YM 1462, it is believed the enthusiastic Chilcott retained his Bentley through 1933 and in that time, he used the car quite regularly, returning to Bentley’s Works department for service and upgrades. Equipped with twin S.U. “sloper” carburetors, dual magnetos and high-compression pistons, there’s little doubt of the 100 mph potential of this magnificent Bentley.

As is typical, the ownership history goes quiet during the wartime period, with BDC records picking back up again with Dr. W. Mayne of Bristol, England then with John Douglas who is seen in period photos from the 1950s with the car wearing a body of unknown origins. Sometime thereafter, AP311 was exported to the United States where it would eventually join the collection of the famed Texas-based architect O’Neil Ford, remaining with him from 1964-1984. From 1984 to 2007, AP311 was in the hands of well-known Bentley enthusiast Richard A. “Dick” Burdick who performed the exceptionally high-quality restoration while AP311 was in his tenure.

The current Vanden Plas-style Weymann-type coachwork was supplied to Mr. Burdick by the highly respected James E. Pearce Coachbuilders of England in the 1980s. The rest of the car has since been fully restored to concours standards and presents in truly impeccable condition. While undergoing restoration, it was determined to be an incredibly original car, backed by Bentley Driver’s Club documents showing period Works upgrades to Super Sports specification. The serial number is found stamped on all of the major components, including the chassis, rear axle, bonnet sides, interior switch plate, and gearbox. The engine number, SS HP 376 designates this as a 100mph Super Sports unit, also verified by the correct 4,000 RPM tachometer. Period factory modifications include the addition of a large-capacity sump and high-performance oil pump, and it is believed that the long-skirt pistons were fitted by Bentley at the time of the engine rebuild in 1930. Fitted with a host of highly desirable factory speed parts such as twin “sloping” S.U. Carbs, a close ratio six-bolt gearbox, finned drums, and twin Bosch magnetos, there is no doubt that Sir Chilcott’s Bentley was built with performance in mind. Today, it features a modern electric fuel pump cleverly fitted inside the Autovac tank to aid in reliable running in all conditions. Beautifully restored, the engine is a magnificent work of art highlighted by jewel-like polished brass carbs, bare alloy castings as original, and fastidiously detailed fittings and hardware.

Cosmetically, the restoration could not be finer. The body is finished to a very high standard in green Rexine-type fabric with green painted wings and bonnet, all in excellent order. Detailing is exquisite, with precisely fit doors, a high quality folding canvas top, and the beautifully restored fittings and German silver radiator shell. The cabin is trimmed in traditional green leather on the seats and interior panels, with matching green wool carpets. The dash retains its original instrumentation, restored and fully functioning. The quality is outstanding, and since the restoration was completed it has been maintained in impeccable condition. Included in the sale is a comprehensive history file, including copies of drawings of the car by O’Neil Ford, restoration photos and Bentley Driver’s Club documents. The original registration plate was carefully preserved as part of the restoration and is now framed for display. Surely one of the finest and most authentic 3-litre Cricklewood Bentleys available today, this is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored example of the legendary model that built the Bentley legacy.

Found on RM Sotheby's website on August 29, 2018

RM | Sotheby's - Monterey 2018

1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Tourer in the style of Vanden Plas
Chassis No. AP311 ~ Engine No. HP376 ~ Gearbox No. AP311

- Very rare and desirable authentic ‘Red Label’ Speed Model
- Original 9-ft., 9½-in. chassis, engine, and drivetrain
- Upgraded in period by the factory with Super Sports engine modifications
- Fascinating ownership history, including Southwestern architect O’Neil Ford
- Exceptional older restoration; ideal for numerous driving events

A veteran of designing RAF aeroengines during World War I, W.O. Bentley next created a sporting motor car unequaled in its era. The 3-Litre saw production of 1,624 cars in three wheelbase configurations and three performance levels, including the aptly named Speed Model with its distinctive red radiator badge, or “Red Label.” Quality control was peerless; Bentley preferred customers send their chassis to one of 100 different coachbuilders approved by the company, and then inspected the finished car thoroughly before allowing it to be sold. Each 3-Litre carried a five-year guarantee!

The performance of these cars resulted in the widely accepted practice of considering the chassis and engine as “the car,” and replacing the conservative original bodywork with open tourers so that owners could experience the power and agility that these cars offered. In a period-correct, well-constructed style, no excuses need be made.

Such is the case with this ‘short-chassis’ ‘Red Label’ model, chassis no. AP311, one of just 513 such cars built, delivered new to Sir Harry Warden Chilcott, a journalist and sportsman known for his close relationship with Winston Churchill, and registered as YM 1462. In early ownership it received several Works modifications, including long-skirt pistons (fitted by Bentley at the time of the engine rebuild in 1930), a larger oil sump, and larger oil pump; various factory “speed” parts, including the twin SU ‘sloper’ carbs, close-ratio gearbox, finned brake drums, and twin Bosch magnetos, all spelled out as Works upgrades in period Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) documents. The engine was brought to Super Sport specification, and this is believed to be the only 9-ft., 9½-in.-chassis with such an engine done by the factory.

The car was first registered with the BDC in 1950, when owned by Dr. W. Mayne of Bristol, England. It was later owned by John Douglas, then in 1964 was shipped stateside and sold to O’Neil Ford, the leading mid-century architect of the American Southwest, responsible for the iconic Tower of the Americas created in San Antonio for the 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair ’68. Ford remains the only individual to have himself been recognized as a National Historic Landmark, in 1974.

Ford maintained the car and two other vintage Bentleys until his death in 1982. Two years later all three automobiles were sold to the late, well-known collector, Richard Burdick. In the early 1980s Mr. Burdick commissioned a high-quality restoration with the current Vanden Plas-style fabric Le Mans tourer coachwork, built by noted British coachbuilder James Pearce. The car has been seldom used but well maintained since, and the restoration is still exceptional, with beautiful, crisp finishes throughout, including Rexine-type body paneling, precisely fit panels, and well-restored trim and fittings. Burdick exhibited the Speed Model in his Central Texas Museum of Automotive History until 2007.

The car retains its original, matching mechanical components, with the exception of the radiator. With a modern electric fuel pump discreetly hidden inside the Autovac tank, assisting in reliable running in all conditions, it is well finished for touring and rallies – a Vintage Bentley’s best possible use. Copies of the aforementioned BDC documentation accompanies the car, as do copies of drawings by O’Neil Ford, and restoration photos.

David E. Davis Jr.’s words are as true now as when first quoted in 1991, in Forbes Magazine, “What is the highest tribute one can pay a noble, inspired . . . classic automobile? Simple, old boy, drive the bloody thing.” That is never more accurate that when describing such a superb W.O. Bentley.

May 22, 2014: Sold

1926 Bentley 3 Litre "Red Label" Short Chassis Speed Model
A Matching Numbers Short Chassis "Red Label" 3 Litre. Matching Engine, Gearbox, Steering Box, and Differential Car with Great Provenance

Price - $925,000
VIN - AP311
Exterior Color - British Racing Green
Interior Color - Dark Green Leather
Mileage - 33485 miles
Engine - 3.0 Litre 4-Cylinder no. HP376
Transmission - 4-Speed Manual
Status - Sale Pending
Stock - FJ1491

1926 Bentley 3 Litre “Red Label” Short Chassis Speed Model
s/n AP311, engine no. HP376
British Racing Green with Dark Green Leather Interior

The 3 Litre Bentley is a legendary car that brought Bentley Motors Limited its first Le Mans victory in 1924 and again in 1927. Bentley went on to win Le Mans an additional three times, giving a total of five victories over an eight year period. This is an extremely impressive achievement considering the fact that the company was founded only a few years earlier in 1919. The company existed in this form only until 1931 before being acquired by Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd. These early “Cricklewood” Bentleys are prized for their uncompromising engineering, as well as their genuine competition heritage.

The specification of the 3 Litre is extraordinarily impressive, and demonstrates the genius of W. O. Bentley. The engine was quite remarkable for the period, with overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, and twin spark ignition. Pent roof combustion chambers and available dual SU carburetors further distinguished the engine, whose block and cylinder head were cast as a single unit for maximum rigidity. The car was available in three wheelbases and three states of tune. Of the 1622 3 Litres built in all, 513 were Speed Models distinguished by twin SU carburetors and higher compression ratio (designed for high speed).

This particular car is an outstanding example in that retains its original matching numbers mechanical components and is one of the 513 Speed Models built. It rides on a 9 foot 9 ½ inch wheelbase and has fascinating documented history, superb integrity, and is equipped with a number of Factory Works Modifications including long skirt pistons, a larger oil sump and larger oil pump. The car was completed on 12 December 1925, and supplied by Beauforts Limited to Sir Harry Warden Chilcott, an avid journalist and sportsman who commissioned a body for this car built by Saunders of Cowes (the same Saunders as in Saunders Roe, the aircraft and boat manufacturer), one of only two car bodies built by Saunders. The other body was also built for Chilcott, and also fitted to a 3 Litre Bentley. Sir Warden Chilcott was noted for his involvement with Sir Winston Churchill.

This car was originally registered YM 1462, a plate that survived with the car its entire life. The car comes with a copy of its original Service Record from Bentley Motors Ltd, indicating that the car returned to the works regularly for service from 1926 to 1933. The factory’s records list the car as a Sports 4 Seater with coachwork by S.E. Saunders and Company as well as repairs and fittings by Vanden Plas. The car was first registered with the Bentley Driver’s Club in 1950, at which time the car was owned by Dr. W. Mayne of Bristol, England. By 1964, the car had been imported to the United States, where it was owned by architect O’Neil Ford in Texas.

The car is now in freshly restored condition, wearing a body built by James Pearce, a well-known coach builder in the United Kingdom. This fine automobile has an extremely handsome body in the style of the period with an open and sporting Vanden Plas trimmed body. The whole car is beautifully restored and sits on 21 inch wheels, retaining its original and matching A-type 6 bolt close ratio gearbox, twin magnetos and twin SU sloper carburetors. This car features its original engine, steering box and drive train components. The car was comprehensively restored and it would be difficult to imagine any way in which the presentation could be meaningfully improved.

The cosmetics are excellent with fully refurbished body, new paintwork, and refurbished original brightwork. The restoration was authentically completed and the paintwork was done to high standards, with virtually no signs of wear or aging since completion. The leather bodywork is excellent and fresh throughout, and the chassis, brakes and suspension are fresh and detailed in appearance as well. The 21 inch wheels are imposing and have been fully restored including the spinners. The car has beautiful Marchal headlamps and the detailing on the car is stunning throughout, with carefully wrought brass accents, red label badge, and leather hood retaining straps. The presentation is period correct throughout, with no modern additions or alterations visible.

The interior is equally well-restored and thoroghly detailed. The leather is fresh in appearance and displays excellent workmanship. High quality wool carpeting has been employed, also fitted to high standards. The wood dashboard is excellent and is punctuated by a full complement of beautifully restored instruments. The car is equipped with folding windscreen as well as Brooklands aero screens. The controls are authentic throughout, including the switch panel (which bears the car’s serial number), steering wheel controls, and center throttle.

The engine is a work of art. The attention to detail in its cosmetic finishes is truly exceptional. Nearly every surface is polished to a mirror finish. Intricate plumbing conveys essential fluids to important looking fittings, and each cylinder has a pair of spark plugs, each of which is operated by a separate magneto. Consequently, both sides of the engine have spark plugs and spark plug leads, which are of course insulated by correct braided cloth. The twin “sloper” SU carburetors are the hallmark of the Super Sports 100mph engine and are very impressive indeed. The Autovac fuel pump housing is visually correct although inside of it is a modern electric fuel pump. The crank handle for manual starting is also in place.

The car starts easily and runs very well. It was recently serviced by Laurence Anderson, a highly regarded specialist of prewar motorcars, who dialed in the fueling and ignition systems so that the motor operates extremely well at this time. The brakes are exceptionally effective and the steering is direct and communicative, albeit not exactly light, as Ettore Bugatti famously observed. The gearbox works as it should, although it requires skill to operate effectively. The clutch brake function works properly as well for downshifts. Mr. Anderson noted further that the castor may require additional adjustment as bumps sometimes unsettle the chassis causing an oscillation from the front end.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored Speed Model 3 Litre Bentley that enjoys superb provenance and retains its original major mechanical components. The original engine, steering box, gearbox, and differential are all original to the car, and have been thoroughly rebuilt to bring it to its present excellent operating condition. The car’s 100mph Super Sports specification engine backed by close ratio gearbox is among the most desirable specifications ever offered on a 3 Litre Bentley, while the comprehensiveness and authenticity of the restoration do justice to this extraordinary motorcar.

Car is owned by Richard "Dick" Burdick and is being restored at the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History in Rosanky, Texas.

Philip Douglas, 24 December 2012
"I think that my father, John Douglas, owned it from the late fifties to the mid-sixties. Here are a couple of photographs."

Robert C. McLellan, 24 December 2012
"As far as ownership of Chassis AP311 during the late fifties to the mid-sixties, I cannot verify ownership by Dr. Mayne so you may be correct. I was told by Burdick but say no records. I knew Ford but he died and I do not know much about the three Bentley that Ford owned. Ford put a strange body on AP311 when I saw the car. Burdick bought all three cars and the last I saw of AP311 was when I took the photos that you see abovee. It will be interesting to see your photos as it was when your father had it."

Philip Douglas, 26 December 2012
"We have had some discussions within the family, and when John Douglas sold the Bentley it was indeed exported to the States. There is some recollection that a business colleague, Marshall Long of Kansas, helped with the sale, but we cannot be certain of that. Consequently the ownership record is probably not incorrect, just incomplete, but I imagine that that is normal."

Bentley Drivers Club, Ltd., Extract of History of 3 Litre Chassis No. AP 311