1925 Bentley 3 Litre
These are pictures of my father’s Bentley 3 Litre which he restored from a collection of rusty parts. I hope they convey the high quality of the restoration which took 18 years to complete.
A damp day in December 2000, a few days before Christmas, but my first ride in it. It had few teething troubles, the main one being that one of the twin magnetos was not sparking properly. An item that sometimes confuses even Bentley enthusiasts is the single Bentley-Smith carburettor. This setup was standard for most of the long wheelbase cars leaving Cricklewood. Usually the shorter wheelbase cars have been given twin SU 'slopers'. The Vanden Plas style body is one of the few items bought-in during the restoration. The interior has been completely re-upholstered by Rosina Hopes. No weather equipment as yet.
The first major trip. Bound for Vintage Silverstone, April 2001. Tyrone and Peter make preparations for the trip. Note it now has a tonneau cover.
Made it! Unwinding after the trip, Silverstone, 2001. The front screen has been folded down.
Brooklands, Bentley Drivers Club meeting, summer 2001. Here's a view of the rear of the car.
While we were at Brooklands, we had a chance to zoom around on some of the banking that still exists. It was a bumpy ride, but worth every yard. I've always been a fan of those that drove round this curcuit all those years ago. The lap record (which will be held for perpetuity) was taken at 143mph. Alas the curcuit is now built on, and some of the banking has disappeared... This is the Member’s banking which was closest to the club house and finishing straight.
Peter's Bentley is rumoured to have been raced in private hands at Brooklands in the 1930's. If anyone has further details please let us know!
