Beschreibung:

BENTLEY 3-4½ LITRE Year 1926 Chassis No. LM1329 Engine No. PM3267 European taxes paid Engine: four cylinder in line, overhead camshaft, 4,398cc (see text), c.100bhp at 3,500rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension, front and rear: semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum; Right hand drive. Coachwork by Vanden Plas, tourer, green with green leather interior. History of the models The Bentley was from the outset a sporting car, the three litre model, introduced in 1922, was quickly developed through active campaigning at the instigation of its designer Walter Owen Bentley. Their successes in the Tourist Trophy and later Le Mans were legendary, and racing promoted the ideal of acquiring very similar road going versions of these cars. After four years of production, by 1926, the 3 litre was losing its competitive edge and the Bentley enthusiast was looking for an improved big four cylinder car. WO Bentley answered their call with a new model with enlarged 4½ litre engine. It matched the success of its forebearer with over 650 units built. Specific history of the car Chassis LM 1329, a Three Litre Speed Model with Standard Bentley four seater touring coachwork by Vanden Plas, was completed in August 1926 and registered in London. It was sold new to Bentley Motors Ltd and supplied by them to Alex Milne of Fife, and subsequent history on copies of the original ledger supplied by the Bentley Drivers Club confirms the following: 1930 - the Bentley was purchased by Dr Frank Wylie of Glasgow. 1931 - purchased by H.M. Tod, of Giffrock. 1936 - sold to N. L. Levers of the Flying Training School, Market Drayton, Shropshire. 1937 - the original 3 litre engine, LM 1330, was offered for sale by M. Chambers (Motor Engineer). This must have been replaced as the car remained in use. 1937 - the car was purchased by A. Somerville of Leek, Staffordshire. 1939-1956 - history is not known. 1956 - car sold to P.M. Sanders, then fitted with 3 litre engine number 618. By 1968 the car was in Switzerland, and the property of Dr. Marcus Muller, a veterinary surgeon and old car enthusiast in whose ownership it was often used in the Kanton Aargau region. 1990s - purchased by Hans Lüscher. Condition Today, the car still sports the most desirable coachwork on these cars, bearing its original coachwork badge, and the bonnet is stamped with the chassis number. It carries all original Bentley components, but the engine now fitted is a 4½ litre ex-chassis number PM 3267, the steering box is ex-chassis number UK 3277 (4½ litre), and has a rear axle with 15/53 ratio. The bodywork has been restored, and the seats re-upholstered, although the side panels are the original fabric. It also retains correct period instrumentation and chassis numbered Bentley cluster. From its age it is presumed that the restoration dates from the Dr. Müller ownership. In essence the condition and appearance is of a carefully aged car, much in keeping with the spirit of the W.O. Bentley marque. The sensible concession of a Kenlowe fan to aid cooling is fitted. A 3-4½ represents one of the most usable combinations of Cricklewood Bentleys, the nimble 3 litre chassis, with the increased performance of the later, larger power unit, a combination which was in effect available in only a handful of short chassis 4½'s. Ownership of a Vintage Bentley offers entry to many events including those of the Vintage Sports Car Club and Bentley Drivers Club in the UK, and the Rolls-Royce Owners Club of America. WITHOUT RESERVE Année: 1926 Numéro de série: LM1329 Numéro de moteur: PM3267 Taxes d'importation européenne payées. Moteur: quatre cylindres en ligne, arbre à cames en tête, 4398cm3 (voir texte), 100 ch à 3500 t/min; Boîte: manuelle à 4 rapports; Suspension, AV et AR: ressorts semi-elliptiques; Freins: à tambour sur les 4 roues; Volant à droite. Carrosserie Vanden Plas, torpédo (tourer), vert avec intérieur en cuir vert. Histoire des modèles La Bentley était dès le début une