1925 Bentley 3 Litre Sports Saloon

Sport touring by Gurney-Nutting. Original chassis, engine, and bodywork. Former CCCA national champion with numerous upgrades for touring. This remarkable 1925 Bentley Blue Label 3-Litre touring by Gurney-Nutting (registration CR 9914, chassis number 930, engine number 914) is the ideal embodiment of the Bentley philosophy in the 1920s, a luxurious sports car that was both comfortable and fast, and unquestionably a very high quality machine. Of note, CR 9914 carries its original engine, chassis, and coachwork, making it somewhat of a rarity among the myriad of rebodied early Bentleys with engine swaps. CR 9914 received an extremely high-quality restoration some years ago, and at the time won many AACA and CCCA trophies, and still wears its CCCA National First Place badges. In the years since, it has been properly maintained and presents today as a first-rate touring vehicle that is simply thrilling to drive. It shows precisely the right patina that you’d expect from a Bentley, a comfortable look that reminds you of a gentleman’s club with a long and storied history. The British Racing Green paint is acceptable, but has mellowed with a softer shine, and the polished aluminum bonnet is an exquisite touch that’s neither over-polished nor deteriorated, but exactly right. The tan leather interior has that same comfortable look that only comes from years of loving use and care. Button-tufted upholstery is appropriate to the period, and there are no rips, tears, or other notable damage to the hides, and the seats remain firm and comfortable. The walnut dashboard is filled with an exquisite array of original gauges that are a combination of Smiths, Cambridge, and AT instruments, all fully functional and simply delightful to look at. The tan canvas hood is older and shows some light water stains on the interior, but is otherwise in good condition. In addition, the car includes a fitted black canvas boot as well as a fitted rear tonneau cover. We are currently having a matching front tonneau made that will be included with the car. Bentley’s 3-litre inline four cylinder engine was one of the most advanced of the era, offering sixteen valves and a single overhead camshaft, as well as undersquare construction that generated enormous torque at low speeds. Fully rebuilt during the restoration and fully sorted for touring, the sporting engine makes this 3-litre touring a capable performer on the open road. Upgrades include an electric cooling fan and dual SU carburetors that are a common upgrade for cars that are driven often. Recently serviced, all the primary systems are fully functional and the presentation is more than impressive. Six new wire wheels were recently fabricated for the car, and they wear new 6.00-20 Goodrich tires, making the car 100% ready for touring or NAVBM rallies anywhere in the world. This car is well-known and well documented, having appeared in “BENTLEY: Fifty Years of the Marque” by Johnnie Green (page 20), and carrying all of its original equipment. Few Bentleys of this vintage still carry their original engines and coachwork, making this one beyond reproach in terms of authenticity and pedigree. A wonderful machine that delivers on its reputation. For more information and photos, please visit www.VintageMotorCarsOhio.com.