- Original One-Off-bodywork from Vanden Plas Vanden Plas order number: 1252 Rare 2/3 Seater
- 295.000,00 € (non-binding offer)
VIN: 1207 l Engine: 1217
- Matching numbers engine block
- Featured in many books including W. O. Bentley’s own book: „The Illustrated History of the Bentley Motor Car“
The 3-litre model occupies a hugely significant place in Bentley Motors’ history. It was the fledgling company’s first production model. Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, the company delivered the first 3-litre models in the summer of 1921. By the summer of 1924, a 3-litre Bentley had won the world’s toughest endurance race at the time: the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
During its nine-year production run from 1921 to 1929, Bentley Motors built 1,613
3-litre models, 511 of which were Speed Models. VIN 1207 is one of these Speed Models, featuring the red-label radiator emblem.
The 'Red Label' Speed Model was more sporty overall, with higher compression and very often a lighter body.
This Bentley was delivered to the first Customer, E.B. Baring of Piccadilly, London, in March 1926.
In 1927, this Bentley was bought by Ronald Compton Stewart, later Sir Ronald Stewart, of Park Lane London.
Ronald Stewart was the son of Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart, one of Britain’s most wealthy company directors. Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart was a very enthusiastic Bentley Owner. In 1929, he ordered a handsome Barker Boat-Tail speed six and, in 1931, a Barker Boat-Tail 8-litre Bentley, chassis YR 5099, Registration Number GN82, which is arguably one of the best looking vintage Bentleys ever built.
In 1929, Dudley Glanfield purchased VIN 1207 and it was he who sent a photograph of VIN 1207 at the top of the Galibier pass in the French Alps to W. O. Bentley, which „W. O.“ Published in his classic book „The illustrated History of the Bentley Motor Car“.
VIN 1207 is very well documented in the Bentley Motors build/service sheet, as well as in a copy of the Jack Barclay sales invoices and the VDP order sheet.
The car shown here is a highly original example of the 3-litre Speed Model with excellent provenance. It still has its original engine and bodywork.
295.000,00 € (non-binding offer)
