Lot 198 - 1925 Bentley 3 Litre Open Tourer
| Lot Number | 198 |
| Registration | CX 7579 |
| Chassis Number | 1137 |
| Engine Number | 1116 |
| Odometer reading | 30 miles |
| Result | Sold - £220,740 |
- Offered for the first time in 60 years
- £150,000 spent on restoration
- Matching numbers
Originally delivered in 1925 to Mr. Eric D Mackintosh, this Bentley started life as a saloon with division by Rippon. We are informed that its four-seater tourer body was fitted in 1952. The next we hear of this Bentley Tourer 3 litre is on her arrival at the garage owned by the current vendors family on a foggy night in the early 1950’s. The car was stuck in third gear and the driver was given a lift to Slough train station to continue his journey to Kent. He never returned to collect his car but sold it instead to the garage owner, our vendors father, who set about repairing the car. This was the start of a life-long relationship with CX 7579. In 1956 the Bentley Tourer found itself at Pinewood Studios as an extra in the Douglas Bader biopic 'Reach for the Sky' being used as the personal transport of the World War II flying ace played by Kenneth More. A copy of the film is included in the cars impressive file. The vendor recalls the excitement of being taken to see the film at the Granada Picture House in the Bentley when she was a young lady.
The Bentley was kept in storage at the garage until the premises were sold in 2007. It was then decided, as a tribute to her late father, to pay some attention to the engine. In the words of the vendor they 'got carried away'. This can be considered something of an understatement when the complete photographic and paperwork history for the cars restoration is studied. The file for the Bentley contains invoices exceeding £150,000. Most of the work was undertaken by the Elmdown Engineering Company of Hungerford over a four year period with trim work being completed by Total Trim Solutions of Berkshire. The quality of the works completed is easy to see and is supported with photographs of every stage of the process.
This Bentley is permanently dry-stored and has been started regularly. This was borne out by the immediate response we received when starting was requested. The engine runs extremely well and is a fitting tribute to the comprehensive works the vendor has commissioned. Historics are delighted to submit for auction this important and stunning matching numbers example Bentley 3 litre, taking into account this car has not been offered for sale for over 60 years and is presented to auction with a V5C registration document and all invoices for the complete restoration.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.