1928 Bentley 6.5 Litre For Sale in St Louis, MO, 2146377067 Tweet

Few pursuits defined W.O. Bentleys life more than his relentless passion for speed. From the Bentley Boys thundering down the Mulsanne Straight in pursuit of victory to spontaneous races on French back roads Bentleys Cricklewood-built motorcars were crafted to dominate road and track alike. W.O. Bentley believed that speed was not merely a feature-it was the essence of his motorcars an uncompromising pursuit that shaped every facet of his engineering philosophy.The success of Bentleys Le Mans-winning 3 Litre set a high standard but as tastes shifted toward larger more luxurious coachwork the limitations of the 3 Litres performance began to show. W.O. recognized the need for a more powerful engine and set about designing a successor. His solution was the 4 1/2 Litre an enlarged four-cylinder that promised to deliver the performance and durability required to meet Bentleys rigorous standards. Yet it was not only engineering that shaped the course of Bentleys history-it was also serendipity and the thrill of competition.In 1924 while returning from France in his latest prototype affectionately nicknamed The Sun W.O. Bentley found himself at a three-way intersection facing an unfamiliar car. Behind the wheel of this curious vehicle was none other than the test driver for Rolls-Royce piloting the new Phantom. What followed was a spirited and impromptu race through the French countryside with neither driver willing to yield. It was only when the Rolls-Royce driver stopped to retrieve his lost hat that the race came to an end. W.O. continued on to Dieppe his tires nearly shredded and the chassis showing the strain of hard driving. While the event underscored the need for further refinement it also reinforced a singular truth: the next Bentley had to be faster and stronger.In response W.O. Bentley unveiled the 6 1/2 Litre in 1925 a car designed not only to meet the challenges of the road but to surpass them. Production began in 1926 with the Standard Six establishing itself as the new benchmark for speed power and refinement. It wasnt long before Bentley pushed the boundaries even further with the legendary Speed Six. The Standard Six saw continual development with significant updates introduced in 1928 including a relocated dynamo camshaft dampers a louvered bonnet and upgraded C type springs. These changes so greatly impressed W.O. that earlier models from 1926 and 1927 were recalled to be updated at Bentleys expense-a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection. Powered by the 6 1/2 Litre engine these cars not only set new standards for road cars but also powered Bentleys Le Mans-winning racers including the legendary Old Number One.We are pleased to offer this beautiful 1928 Bentley 6 1/2 Litre chassis no. PR2306. Delivered by Cricklewood on November 27 1927 this Standard Six was clothed as a Weymann Saloon by H.J. Mulliner. Originally delivered to Mr. Oswald Julian Syme of Melbourne Australia this Bentley was ordered with specifications closely mirroring the 1927 Olympia Motor Show car differing only in its slightly shorter 12-foot wheelbase (PR2306). Mr. Syme was a proprietor of Melbournes The Age a news publisher founded in 1854 and still writing to this day!Dr. Clare Hay the worlds leading authority on Cricklewood built Bentleys traveled from England to Australia to carefully view the car during its restoration. She confirms in her report the car was equipped with a 13/50 ratio rear axle a single Smiths 50BVS carburetor long steering column and a C type gearbox. Mr. Syme purchased the Bentley through Brodribb Brothers a prominent Melbourne-based importer of prestigious European marques during the period ensuring the car was perfectly tailored to his requirements. They would continue to service the Bentley under Symes ownership ordering parts directly from Cricklewood when needed.PR2306 would spend much of its early life in Australia changing hands with owners down under until 1960 when Mr. Jack Nelson purchased the car. Nelson retained the car until 1982 when it was sold to ex-Formula 1 driver Reg Hunt. A driver during the young pioneering days of Formula 1 Reg owned and drove Juan Manuel Fangios 1953 Italian Grand Prix winning Maserati A6GCM. While short his Formula 1 career was not a fair display of his true skill as according to the British Racing Drivers Club he continually won races at Bathurst Albert Park and other Australian venues during the 1950s.Hunt subsequently sold the car to Mr. Peter Willcox who embarked on a comprehensive restoration of PR2306 with the vision of honoring W.O. Bentleys enduring spirit of speed. Willcox commissioned the construction of a new body for the Bentley opting for a Le Mans Tourer design in the style of Vanden Plas. While the bodywork was being meticulously crafted to period-correct specifications the chassis was sent to The Derby Works in Melbourne for a complete refresh. During the course of the restoration ownership transferred to Mr. Gary McMillan who provided the resources to complete this thorough and exacting project. Dr. Clare Hay examined the car during its time at Derby Works and remarked on its exceptional originality stating: I saw PR2306 at Derby Works in March 2011 and saw PR2306 in chassis form confirming that it has all its original numbered components. The chassis is generally in very original order and in very good condition. A complete Clare Hay report is on file and available for viewing.Upon completion PR2306 emerged as a fully realized and expertly executed Speed Six reimagined in the spirit of Bentleys iconic Le Mans Tourers. The car was upgraded with period correct twin SU HVG5 carburetors a Speed Six intake manifold and double Hartford shock absorbers as fitted to Old Number One ensuring both performance and authenticity were of the highest order.Every detail of the bodywork adhered to period standards and the car was finished in a rich British Racing Green consistent with Bentleys legendary racing liveries. All badges were updated to green distinguishing it as a Speed Six in contrast to the blue found on the Standard Six models.Inside the reimagined tourer cockpit the attention to detail continues with a Le Mans-style dash featuring a correct Jaeger tachometer tumbler switches and an air pressure feed system for fuel delivery. The result is a harmonious blend of performance and period-correct design capturing the essence of Bentleys golden era of motorsport.Retaining its original engine (PR 2325) gearbox (no. 6149) and frame (2306) this Bentley represents an extraordinary Cricklewood masterpiece meticulously and expertly upgraded to Speed Six specifications. This Bentley represents an extraordinary Cricklewood masterpiece meticulously and expertly upgraded to Speed Six specifications. Executed to the highest standards of craftsmanship this authentic reimagining honors Bentleys Le Mans legacy while preserving the character and integrity of the original design. While upgraded the Bentley still carries with it the pride of its originality; almost any component that was not replaced with Speed Six components remains original and true to the motorcar. This car stands as a testament to Bentleys engineering brilliance and the timeless allure of their motorcars appealing to enthusiasts who value both authenticity and the spirit of competition.Further cementing its status as an exceptional example this Bentley achieved Best of Show honors at the 2011 Motorclassica Concours Australias premier Concours dElegance. This prestigious accolade reflects the meticulous care and dedication poured into its restoration and reaffirms its place among the finest pre-war motorcars in existence.With its remarkable provenance exquisite restoration and authentic upgrades to Speed Six specifications PR2306 has never been publicly offered and continues to stand as a shining example of W.O. Bentleys vision brought to life. It retains the original engine gearbox frame and this meticulously crafted tourer embodies the elegance power and engineering excellence that define the Cricklewood Bentley legacy. Whether destined for concours events historic tours or a collection of the finest pre-war motorcars PR2306 offers its next custodian a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of motoring history. For enthusiasts who value authenticity and performance in equal measure this Bentley represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century craftsmanship and the enduring allure of one of the worlds most celebrated marques. Offers welcome and trades considered.For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7840-1928-bentley-6-%c2%bd-litre-tourer/