1926 Bentley 3-Liter Speed Model

In 12 short years, Bentley became one of Britain’s most revered marques through its cars’ technical sophistication and enviable record in long-distance racing events, including winning the Le Mans 24-hour race five times.

Designed by Walter Owen Bentley and his colleagues, the 3-Litre was the progenitor of the 4.5-, 6.5- and 8-Litre Bentleys. The 3-Litre combined several developments not previously seen in road-going cars, including an overhead camshaft driving four valves per cylinder, the first use of aluminum pistons in an automobile engine, pent-roof combustion chambers, dual magneto ignition and dual carburetors.

Despite these high-performance features, the 3-Litre was untemperamental in its operation and bulldog-tough in its durability. Indeed, Walter Owen Bentley’s pioneer effort was so soundly engineered and ruggedly constructed that he was able to offer an unprecedented five-year guarantee with these cars.

Even before...