This very original, numbers matching Speed Model Bentley was the subject of a sympathetic restoration by marque experts, just over 10 years ago, and has since been maintained in as-new condition by its fastidious owner, and is for sale for the first time in over 40 years.

Painted in Parson's Green, the original colour of the racing Bentleys, it features the highly desirable alloy body and sporty blade wings, replicating the paired-down style of the early Le Mans winning cars. However this is also a very sought after late model 3-Litre which features the later sump, oil pump and ancillaries which gives the new owner the option to rebuild this as a much coveted 3/4.5 car. This would produce the best possible configuration of a Vintage 3-Litre Bentley, combining the iconic purity of line of the Le Mans cars with the performance and handling of the later more powerful 4.5 litre WOs.

Delivered in 1927 to its first owner Commander Sir Archibald Southby, a well-known MP and member of the English aristocracy, the car retains its original numbers matching engine and major components, from new, together with its original 'scratched aluminium' body which still sports the Vanden Plas coachworks badges on sills and doors. According to Michael Hay's book Chassis No. RE1394 spent '15 years in an Irish Barn' before the current owner acquired in the car in the early 1970s, and it has been in his family's ownership ever since.

In the late 1990s the car was subject to a no-expense spared restoration by the craftsmen of South Stoke, a group of WO Bentley specialists who still work together from their individual premises, near Henley. Then as now the boys at South Stoke were the first choice of both collector and dealer alike for the quality of their leatherwork, bracketry, body work and engineering, and this car has all the hallmarks of their expertise.

WO Bentley prices have risen dramatically in the past few years, particularly for good examples and few, if any, are better than this, but experts feel they could rise further still, as recent auction prices reveal. So don't miss this opportunity to own a blue-chip Bentley, and the chance to improve it further as a 3/4.5, or just enjoy as is.