Bentley 3-4½-Litre Tourer Speed Model by Vanden Plas 1926, Inglaterra

 

Bentley 3-4½-Litre Tourer Speed Model by Vanden Plas 1926, Inglaterra
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Bentley chassis DE1212 was first registered in July 1926 with the number HU 6858 and fitted with aluminum-skinned tourer coachwork by Vanden Plas. A Short Chassis 3-Litre Speed Model, this Bentley spent its early years in London, England, originally under the ownership of a Mr. C. Culverwell. In 1933 the car was sold to J. Goodbody, and over the next several years a large amount of service work was performed including re-boring the engine in 1935. In 1937, the cylinder block and piston rings were sent to J. Rugg & Son for additional work; by this point, the Bentley was owned by V.H. Paull of Earls Court.
After the war, Major Constandorus is listed as the owner registered with the Bentley Drivers Club, and over the next decade a handful of individuals would come to possess DE1212. Then in 1963, Chris Pack would purchase the car and remain the single owner for the next 45 years. It was his decision in 1988 to convert the engine to 4½-Litre displacement after the car suffered an engine failure during a drive. In order to complete the project, a 3-Litre crank case stamped "AX1656" was sourced, and a crankshaft, camshaft, and rods were ordered from Phoenix. A 4½-Litre block, valve chest, and rocker boxes were obtained via BDC Spares. Beginning in 1999, DE1212 received a major refurbishment, and the body was taken off. Both the engine and gearbox were taken apart and rebuilt, with the former now featuring a 6.0:1 compression ratio.
Dr. Alasdair Ernslie purchased the Bentley in 2005, and over the course of his ownership until 2013, further maintenance was performed. This includes the fitting of a 16-gallon 4½-Litre fuel tank, an engine rebuild in 2008, a brake and spring overhaul in 2009, and new shock absorbers in 2010. In June 2014, DE1212 entered the collection of the current owner and was shown that September at the prestigious Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Place. Afterwards, the Bentley was further improved with £47,520 of service work via the highly respected W.O. Bentley specialists N.D.R. Ltd in the United Kingdom. A Laycock Engineering (J-Type) electric overdrive was fitted, along with two electric fuel pumps and a new steering box. The car also received a Le-Mans style folding windscreen and a set of Blockley 21-inch tires.
A wonderful example of a W.O. Bentley, this 1926 3-4½-Litre Speed Model features iconic Vanden Plas tourer coachwork, known ownership history, and serious performance upgrades made popular in post-war UK Bentley circles, giving the great combination of nimble handling with the later, more powerful engine. These cars represent some of the finest pre-war automobiles ever built and are a must-have for any true driving enthusiast. The sale of DE1212 represents a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to experience proper vintage motoring.