For sale: 1925 Bentley 3 8L Special

1925 Bentley 3 / 8-Litre Special (ex Stanley Mann)
Ultra-rare British competition car
Regularly campaigned in historic races
Registered in Germany
UK V5
Engine number: HM2865
Chassis number: 1157
8203 cc, 6 cylinder engine, with about 280bhp, 4-speed Bentley gearbox converted with Dog type gears internally.
Get to know the car!
The transformation
J.C. Konig, the mastermind behind this famous car, initially possessed it in its original 3-Litre form in 1965. However, he didn't settle for the status quo. Partnering with engineer John Guppy, Konig embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation. The result? A magnificent 8-Litre creation that left enthusiasts speechless. Eventually, in 1986, the car found its new home with Vic Smith and Stanley Mann, thus, sealing its legacy of evolution and innovation. It's a testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
Achievements
In this form John ran the car for nearly twenty years, and in the 1980’s achieved considerable competition success.
1983 Bentley Drivers Club (Silverstone)
Won the Novice Handicap
Won the McKenzie Trophy
1986 VSCC (Silverstone)
Boulogne Trophy Race
1st Bentley - five in the race
Won the Russ-Turner Trophy
1986 Wiscombe Park Hill Climb (VSCC)
3rd Vintage sports car over 3000cc
1986 Colerne Speed Trails (VSCC)
Standing start 1/4mile 15.77 seconds
Standing start 1km 28.46 seconds
Terminal speed 116mph
Stanley Mann’s record breaking streak
In 1987, Stanley Mann acquired the car and enlisted the expertise of John Guppy to undertake a comprehensive rebuild, with the goal of setting new class A records. The entire vehicle underwent extensive reworking, incorporating numerous modifications. The car fully primed for record-breaking attempts. It went on to achieve three remarkable new records in 1988:
100 miles: Average speed of 115.53mph
1 hour: Average speed of 115.64mph
200km: 1h 4m 42s, Average speed of 115.26mph
In May 1989, Stanley returned to Millbrook to attempt more records. Driving the 3/8 Litre car in the class A category (over 8000cc), Stanley covered the 50km distance from a standing start in just 15 minutes, 10.76 seconds. This remarkable feat improved the existing record by 12 seconds, with an average speed of 122mph. It was a remarkable achievement that showcased Stanley's skill and the car's exceptional performance.
In October 1989, Stanley continued his record-breaking streak by setting new benchmarks:
5 Miles Flying Start, Completing the distance in an impressive time of 2 minutes and 12.97 seconds, achieving an average speed of 135.36mph.
10 Kilometers Flying Start, Completing the distance in 2 minutes and 45.56 seconds, maintaining an average speed of 135.11mph.
These exceptional achievements further solidified Stanley's legacy as a record-setter.
In 1996 at Brooklands Action Day, Stanley drove the Bentley at a speed of 148mph.
Exterior
Crafted by Williams and Pritchard, the two-seater body of this car boasts an exquisite combination of aluminum and steel tube frame construction The impeccably applied paint remains in excellent condition. Enhancing its roadworthiness, the vehicle features fitted wings. The inclusion of two Brookland’s screens and a racing head cowl unmistakably signifies that you're in the presence of a genuine racing machine, ensuring an exhilarating and authentic racing experience.
Interior
The green leather bucket seats, elegantly adorned with meticulous leather lacing, remain in impeccable condition. The aluminum dash, thoughtfully designed to house all the necessary gauges, provides a clear window into the inner workings of the engine. Additionally, behind the seats lies a storage area in the tail, offering ample space to conveniently store tools and luggage, making travel arrangements a breeze.
Mechanically
Despite its weight of 1371 kg, this car defies expectations with its remarkably light and agile driving experience. Even at low revs, it effortlessly cruises along, providing a pleasant and smooth ride. However, when you unleash the power by pressing the accelerator, a whole new dimension is revealed. The car swiftly lifts off, propelling you into an exhilarating realm of speed and performance, where the boundaries of ordinary driving are transcended. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey.
Once in a lifetime
This incredibly rare and historically significant British motor racing artefact is a once-in-a-lifetime find. With its remarkable rarity, it stands as an exceptional candidate for prestigious events like the Goodwood Members Meeting, and continental rallies among others.
If you're seeking a dependable and high-performance pre-war car, your search ends here. This Bentley is in excellent running condition and is primed for participation in historic motorsport events.
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