Chassis Number: LT 1581
Production of the Bentley 3 Litre began in 1921 and a total of 1613 were built. The standard chassis had a wheelbase of 10’ 10’’ but a sporty version called the “Speed Model” was introduced in 1924 with a shorter 9’ 9’’ chassis and a high compression engine with twin carburettors and close ratio gearbox. The standard cars were fitted with a radiator badge with a blue enamel background while the high-performance short-chassis “Speed Model” was identified with red enamel. Only 513 were produced and these became known as ‘Red Label’ Bentleys.
Back in the day a customer would order the chassis, engine, drivetrain etc from the manufacturer and then have a coachbuilder fit a bespoke body. LT 1581 was ordered on 6th November 1926 by Mr. John Watson in Renfrewshire. His order specified a Short Chassis ‘Speed Model’ and that it be sent to Gurney Nutting to be fitted their lightweight Weymann Saloon Coachwork.
Today the car is an incredibly rare survivor thought to be one of only two saloons extant on a Speed Model chassis. It presents not only with its Gurney Nutting coachwork in astonishing original condition but also a high degree of mechanical integrity. The car has its original chassis identified on the cross member and front knuckle, also evidenced on the bonnet sides, master switch and rear axle. There is also a Bentley Motors plate on the instrument panel that references the chassis number. The engine number matches the build sheet and is also to be found on the front cam drive turret. In addition the car is still registered on its 1926 number, HS 4479.
The list of known owners below may not be complete but shows that the car has travelled the world, spending time in the U.S.A. and Australia.
J.H. Watson (new) 1926 – 1935
of Grange Hill, Beith in Ayrshire
S. Bracegirdle 1935 – 1955
of Cheshire
Directors of Gatley Motors 1962 – 1971
John Pennington, Gatley, Cheshire.
Theodore (Ted) Reich 1972 – 1985
California, U.S.A.
Dr Paul R. Woudenberg 1985 – 1987
Pebble Beach, California, U.S.A.
Edward A. Suttell 1987 – 1989
NSW, Australia
W.D.S. (Bill) Lake 1991 – 1994
West Sussex
Peter H Schabacker 1994 – 1997
Sevenoaks, Kent
John H. David Wilkinson 2000 – 2003
Cheshire
Current owner 2006 – 2025
Bedfordshire
The car appeared in a Christie’s Auction in Melbourne, Australia on 28th July 1990 from where it seems likely to have been bought by renowned dealer, Stanley Mann. He promptly sold it to the well-known Bentley enthusiast, Bill Lake. After him there were two further owners, both BDC members, until the car was again offered for sale by Stanley Mann. His advertising in December 2007 makes the point that he was delighted to have this totally original Bentley back after “ 20 odd years”. His text continued, “In that time she has worn well and with a recent engine rebuild goes very well. Recently the work has included fitting an overdrive, so cruising at a decent speed should not prove tiring”.
The current owner bought LT 1581 from Stanley Mann in 2007 and used it sparingly but had it maintained by the highly regarded Bentley specialist, Graham Moss. In his care since 2010 the car has benefitted from a complete re-wire, a dynamo rebuild, magneto rebuild, and a clutch overhaul including a new lining. In addition there are invoices for general service work.
The car has been with the current owner for 19 years and has frankly seen very little road use. It is in extraordinarily original condition, extremely rare, looks enchanting and is a delight to drive.
www.matthowell.co.uk 07740 583906
