The Magic Number

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The art of motor manufacturing is typically only perfected after a steep learning curve. To get it right from the very beginning is the feat of only the most brilliant engineers, of whom WO Bentley undoubtedly was one. Even before it found fame with impressive Le Mans results, the Bentley Three Litre stood head and shoulders above its rivals as a gentleman’s sporting express.

This could hardly be more apparent than with Chassis 3, the first Bentley sold to a customer and the oldest surviving production model. With a precision-made overhead camshaft engine capable of pushing a light weight example towards 80mph, the chassis just needed a clean sporting body to complete the package.

The buyer, Ivor Llewelyn, whose son Desmond would later star in the films about fellow Bentley enthusiast James Bond, understood perfectly what was needed and sent Chassis 3 to R Harrison & Son Ltd for a sleek, unfussy two-seater body in bare aluminium, to which was added a dickey seat so perfectly blended in that it looked to all intents and purposes like a dashing young bachelor’s car except when the seat was raised for the young Desmond.

While the fundamental beauty of the car lies in its pure lines, there is much more to be found on examination of its unique details. Mick Walsh reveals all in the March issue of The Automobile, on sale now.

Words by Zack Stiling. Photographs by Tony Baker.

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