A century-old Bentley, a star at the 1923 Le Mans race, just found a new home for a cool $3.7 million. Benley classiccar
The Bentley 3 Liter in question actually placed fourth at Le Mans back in May of 1923 but cemented the marque as a formidable competitor. Not only that, the car put Bentley on the map and spurred on all-important sales.The four-wheeler was first driven by Bentley dealer John Duff in the Double 12 Hour Record at Brooklands. Duff covered 2,082 miles at 86.79 mph and set some 38 international records in the process.
More importantly, they set Bentley on a winning streak. The nameplate won the following year’s race and subsequently sold 700 vehicles in two years. Considering the automaker was only established in 1921, the sales figures were quite astonishing for the time. Bentley won Le Mans another four consecutive times from 1927 to 1930 in what was one of the most dominant runs in the history of the race. W.
After its successful racing career, the racer fell into obscurity until it was discovered in a barn in the early ‘80s. A motoring journalist identified it as the long-lost first Bentley and the car was sold to Australian collector Peter Briggs. Briggs restored the Bentley to its former glory and it became a centerpiece of the York Motor Museum near Perth. Chassis 141 is now back in Britain and ready for the stage.
“It won’t be leading a quiet life: it’ll be lining up on the grid of the Le Mans 100th anniversary race for vintage cars next month,” Kidston adds. “I hope its original drivers will be looking down and smiling.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘1923’ costume designer says Harrison Ford had more than 50 hats created for hit show'1923' costume designer Janie Bryant shared with Fox News Digital what it was like to create outfits for Hollywood stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
Read more »
New design boss charged with Bentley's EV futureFormer Crewe man swaps Volvo for Bentley as it ponders new battery-electric era.
Read more »
Toyota hints at hot GR Prius unveiling at Le Mans | AutocarToyota’s performance division has hinted that it will reveal a high-performance model based on the Prius at Le Mans this weekend - GR Prius anybody? 👀
Read more »
Toyota Gazoo Racing Teases Motorsport-Inspired Concept That Will Debut In Le Mans | CarscoopsToyota didn't say much about the concept, other than it will be equipped with technologies developed in motorsports car auto cars
Read more »
Your New Forza Cover Cars Are the Corvette E-Ray and Cadillac Le Mans PrototypeTurn 10 Studios say they will share more info on the next installment of Forza Motorsport on June 11.
Read more »
Bentley Embraces Tweed And Tailoring With New Huntsman Edition | CarscoopsBentley's latest bespoke models are based on the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure and the Continental GTC Speed car auto cars
Read more »