Found on Robert Glover Limited website on May 28, 2020

1926 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model
Coachwork by Vanden Plas Ltd.

Chassis No. AP324
Engine No. HP397
Registration No. YO 6757
Body No. 1155 (Ex-Chassis No. 1088, fitted circa 1938)

The Bentley 3-Litre provided the launch pad for one of the most successful and enduring brands in motoring history. Good looks, innovative developments born out of WWI aircraft engine design and a plethora of competition success, including victories at the Le Mans 24-hour race, all contributed to the enduring popularity of both the model and the marque. The 3-Litre Bentley remains as popular amongst enthusiasts and collectors today as they were with the eager buying public during the 1920s. Powered by a four-cylinder engine of 2996cc, the engines featured many innovations for a production model including: four valves per cylinder, an overhead camshaft and twin spark ignition. Even in standard form they were good for 80mph. By the time production ceased three chassis length variants were offered including: The (oft termed) “Blue Label” on a 10’ 10” wheelbase chassis, the “Red Label” Speed Model on a 9’ 9½” wheelbase chassis and a “Green Label” Super Sports model on an even shorter 9’ wheelbase chassis, the latter with 100mph performance guaranteed by the works.

Based on Bentley’s “standard-short” 9’ 9½” wheelbase chassis, the Speed Model benefited from a higher compression motor, breathing through twin “sloper” carburettors and, mated to the A-type close ratio gearbox, had a significantly improved performance in comparison to the standard “Blue Label” Bentley 3-Litres both in terms of acceleration and top speed. The most popular coachwork design fitted to this chassis length was the supremely elegant yet sporty design of the standard 4-seat two-door coachwork from Vanden Plas. This design was basically the same design of body that featured on the works cars that were so successful at the Le Mans 24-Hour races and a superb example of form following function. The Bentley 3-Litre is an iconic British sports car and a Speed Model, such as the example offered for sale here, remains one of the most sought after vintage sportscars to this day – and rightly so.

One of just 513 Speed Model 3-Litres produced by the works, chassis no. AP324 was completed on the 5th June 1926, sold via Gladstone Motors to a Sub Lieutenant J.E.D. Scott and registered for the road with the Yorkshire number YO 6757. Copy chassis records, on file, indicate that ‘AP 324’ was originally fitted with engine number AP 306 and Gurney Nutting Coachwork of Weymann construction, most likely a saloon. Standard long chassis frame type springs were fitted to the rear and the back-axle ratio was 13/55. ‘AP 324’ like so many 3-Litre Speed Models was obviously driven quite hard during its early years and the copy service records demonstrate this point. By 1928 the original engine had been completely rebuilt and in 1935 the chassis frame had to be repaired by Bentley Motors for McKenzie’s Garages after an accident. It is possible that the original Vanden Plas coachwork now fitted to AP 324 (Body no. 1155, ex chassis no. 1108) was fitted at the time of the accident repair, but, as Hay points out in a brief report on ‘AP 324’ contained in the file, this is unlikely as chassis no. 1108, from whence the body came, was still in circulation until 1937. To this end it is likely that the original Vanden Plas coachwork currently fitted to ‘AP 324’ was fitted in around 1938 instead. The service records for ‘AP 324’ end in 1935 and between 1926 and 1935 there are no recorded changes of ownership.

The first recorded change of ownership of ‘AP 324’ is in 1938 when the car passed to a T.P. Terry. In 1949 the Bentley was sold to Ian Macdonald who retained ownership for circa ten years until ‘AP 324’ was sold to E.J. Splaine. In 1958/9 ‘AP 324’ was exported to America and by 1980 was in the ownership of Gilbert L. Steward Jnr. of Massachusetts. Gilbert ‘Gil’ Steward was a former president of the Vintage Sports Car Club of America, an active member of North American Vintage Bentley Club and Bentley Drivers’ Club. In 1988 the Bentley was re-patriated by Brian Classic and sold to Roger Firth of Cheshire by Plus Four. At some stage the original engine, no. AP 306 was removed and for quite some time ‘AP 324’ was fitted with engine no. RT 1541.

In 2010 the Bentley was purchased by Hamish Monro who promptly replaced the existing and very tired 3-Litre engine, no. RT 1541, with a correct period 3-Litre engine, no. HP 397. Engine no. HP 397 (as fitted to AP 324 now) was treated to a comprehensive engine overhaul by Simon Adams of Edinburgh. All the usual and sensible upgrades were incorporated, including a new crankshaft (by Farndon Engineering) with main and big end bearings converted to shell type bearings, new connecting rods and pistons with new camshaft, phoenix rockers, new valves, valve springs and a replacement original 3-Litre cylinder block. Further upgrades to the car itself included 4½ -Litre type steering gears for lighter steering, ideal for longer trips and endurance rallying. Hamish Monro used the Bentley regularly including four pilgrimages to Le Mans for the 24-Hour race and only sold the car eventually to assist with the restoration of an SE 5 aircraft – possibly also by Vanden Plas?

The current owner purchased ‘AP 324’ in 2012 and has continued the annual pilgrimage to the Le Mans 24-hour race, with the Bentley ably completing the trip some seven times. Not only has it completed the trips successfully but it has also been utilised each time in the pre-race driver parade. Invoices on file date back to Roger Firth’s ownership and the current custodian has continued a good level of regular maintenance and work. These works have included the fitment of a “4-star” type differential from Kingsbury Racing Shop based here at Bicester Heritage, with further works carried out by the same firm as well as Tim Walker Restorations and Brewster Mudie. Aside from regular Le Mans trips ‘AP 324’ has been a regular feature of many a VSCC hillclimb driven with some vigour and has continued to be enjoyed in much the same way as was intended by W.O.

Well maintained, much loved and fitted for most of its life with the preferred original Vanden Plas coachwork, ‘AP 324, is sold only to allow for more time “Frazer Nashing” and is ready to be enjoyed on a plethora of national and international events when we can all get back to them. In the meantime, the current owner has continued to use the Bentley for essential trips to the supermarket. If one is to social distance then why not do it in style with a vintage Bentley?

This car is for sale as of May 28, 2020

1926 Bentley 3-Litre Vanden Plas Tourer
VSCC Silverstone - Saturday 21st April 2018
Originally bodied by Gurney Nutting, this car was fitted with a 1925 VDP body in the 1930s.

Bentley 3-litre Supersports 1926
Kop Hill Climb, September 2016

Stony Stratford Vintage Vehicle Gathering, January 2016

VSCC Wiscombe Park - Sunday 10th May 2015

VSCC "Spring Start" at Silverstone - Saturday 18th April 2015

Kop Hill Climb, September 2014

VSCC Prescott - Sunday 3rd August 2014

Prescott Vintage Speed Hill Climb, August 2014

VSCC Spring Start GP Itala Trophy Race Meeting, April 2014

Kop Hill Climb, September 2013

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

Vintage Classic Sports Cars, June 2013

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

"Paul Tunnicliffe (left) in Chassis AP324, and Ian Warner in AX1652, are lined up on the grid before driving singly, in numerical order, 180deg to the starting line at VSCC Prescott on 4 August. Readers may note that AP324 was originally a Gurney Nutting Saloon, and AX1652, one of the rare 100 MPH 9’ wheelbase chassis, originally had an H.J. Mulliner Saloon body."

Brooklands Double Twelve, June 2013

"I'd be grateful to hear from any previous owners of the car. In particular, it spent a number of years in the US, I would love to hear of its life during this time.

The attached photograph shows the car in action at this year's VSCC hill climb at Prescott. This took place just a couple of days after I took delivery — in fact, the first time I seriously drove the car was when I took it to the circuit. Needless to say, it behaved impeccably, and I was awarded a tankard for my efforts. Since then it has also competed at Loton Park, and has racked up many road miles.

She is much-loved, and is delivering all the pleasure I always imagined a vintage Bentley would."

This car was purchased by Paul Tunnicliffe in 2012.

Description of car found on PreWarCar.com:

1926 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model VDP Tourer
1926 Bentley 3 Lite Speed Model - VDP body original. This is a really usable Bentley which has been well maintained and used for foreign events. Body: 1930s with an original (1925) VDP tourer body No. 1155. All floorboards marked. Colour: Green with leather interior Length: 9' 9.5\" Chassis: AP 324 Steering Box: AP 324 (Fitted 4 1/2 gears) Gearbox: AP324 (A Box) Rear Axle: AX1671 (Banjo 500) 3.53:1 Engine No: HP 397 (contemporary with all AP Series cars) The car comes with tonneau cover and hood, new blade wings and stays, Marchal headlights and original 3 piece windscreen. New VDP style spare wheel mounting, 4 1/2 gal fuel tank with 3 litre filler. New battery in 2009. Autovac is present but not fully connected, electric pump used. Brooks tool box on running board. The engine was completely rebuilt by Simon Adams in Edinburgh with new Farndon semi-counterbalanced crank and rods, mains and big ends converted to shells with new bearing caps. New Arias pistons, flywheel lightened to suit crank and all balanced. New retro Track and Air BM 1800 camshaft, Phoenix rockers, new valves and springs. Replacement original block, rebuilt water pump (ceramic) and new drain tubes. There are a pair of rebuilt BTH mags and the original oil filter has been converted to a modern filter. CAV Co-ax started fitted, new oil pump gears and rebuilt H6 carbs on a new manifold. New 'Bunch of Bananas' exhaust, extended oild filter and an electric fan (avoids boiling in traffic!). Much work has been carried out by previous owner Hamish Monro and the car has been used extensively including trips to Le Mans four years running. The car runs well with 75mph cruising possible. It is very tracktable despite 3.53 cwp and A Box. The steering is nice and light with 4.5 gears fitted. Not concours but extremely presentable and useable. Work still required includes the running boards to suit - curved wood and aluminium sheet covering is available.

Photographs show car in France on the way to the LeMans Circuit and on the track in 2007.

Car was fitted with original Vanden Plas body in the 1930s. Engine No. HP397 (which was originally in Chassis No. HP397) is being rebuilt.