We were delighted to exhibit at this year's RAC Concours at Woodcote Park, where we showcased two exceptional Vintage Bentleys alongside a very special client's car. Surrounded by an outstanding collection of historic motor cars, it was a privilege to share these remarkable examples of vintage Bentley engineering and craftsmanship with fellow enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of our stand was the magnificent 1930 Bentley 4½ Litre, chassis AD3652 (GC 6002). Delivered from Jack Olring & Co. of Mayfair to its first owner, Mr Grout, 96 years ago, this heavy chassis 4½ Litre was built to the very latest specification of the period, featuring self-wrapping brakes, an Electron engine, an aluminium sump and the desirable long bonnet.
With fewer than 60,000 miles from new, AD3652 is believed to be the only Vintage Bentley to have remained in continuous family ownership for 85 years having been purchased from the Works and stands today as one of the most original surviving examples.
Sharing the stand was the extraordinary 1925 Bentley 3 Litre SuperSports, TR829, one of the most coveted and significant Bentley models ever produced.
The SuperSports was the first Bentley to wear the famous green badge and, with its short-wheelbase chassis and high-compression engine fed by twin "Sloper" carburettors, carried a factory-backed guarantee of 100 mph at Brooklands. Widely regarded as one of the world's first true supercars, only 18 examples were built.
Commissioned with distinctive occasional three-seater coachwork by Short, complete with its striking "Bat Wing" mudguards, it was specified with numerous bespoke performance features including a Super radiator, raked steering, special rear springs and strengthened camshaft bevel gears.
Today, TR829 remains one of the most original surviving SuperSports, being one of only four cars retaining its original coachwork, matching numbers and complete ownership history. Following careful preservation by us at Vintage Bentley, it continues to perform exactly as its makers intended nearly a century after it first left the factory.
We were also honoured to display the Bentley Speed Six, GJ755, from the LITTLE Collection in the Pre-War Masterpieces class.
Supplied to Viscount Mandeville, 10th Duke of Manchester, this matching numbers Speed Six wears a close coupled saloon body. The second of only two built, and the only survivor. We completed the restoration of the rolling chassis exactly as Bentley Motors Ltd deleivered it new. All factory and subcontract finishes were researched and applied as faithfully as possible by the Vintage Bentley team.
Competing amongst an exceptional field of historic motor cars, we were delighted to see the car receive first place in the Pre-War Masterpieces class. Judges Peter Stevens and Andrew Hall said:
'' It's a very elegant car but with plenty of differentiators, so spectacular and dramatic but with lots of super details, such as chrome and lights that are in satin black, just as they would have been delivered. ''
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand throughout the day. It was a pleasure to meet so many fellow vintage Bentley enthusiasts and share the stories behind these extraordinary motor cars.
We are grateful to have been part of another superb celebration of Britain's motoring heritage.
Watch the full highlights from the day here
