1923 Bentley 3-4.5 Litre Vanden Plas Style Tourer | Donington Auctions | 17 Oktober 2026

Previously owned by marque authority 

• Superbly Constructed
• 14-year build 
• Lightly used since 

MODEL DESCRIPTION: 

It was a period when Walter Owen Bentley's eponymous automobiles ruled the open road and enjoyed great success in the French 24-hour endurance racing classic, held annually in the town of Le Mans. 

Bentley first won Le Mans with its 3 Litre model in 1924 and 1927, then a 4.5 litre won in 1928, and Speed-Sixes in 1929 (when Bentley finished 1-2-3-4) and 1930 (1-2).  

Powered by a four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, the 3-litre was advanced for its time, boasting four valves per cylinder and an output estimated at around 70 horsepower at 3500rpm.  

Production began at Cricklewood in 1921, with early cars built on a 9ft 9.5in two-wheel braked chassis, before the Standard Long chassis of 10ft 10in was adopted in 1923, the shorter chassis reserved thereafter for the so-called 'Red Label' Speed Model.  

In 1924 Bentley adopted Perrot-type brakes on all four wheels, while the original Smiths carburettor was replaced with a later 45BVS type, and a Claudel-Hobson item became optional, while Speed models employed twin SUs. 

Bentley Motors guaranteed 75 mph was possible on the longer chassis model, with speeds increasing to 80 mph for the short and 90 mph on the Speed model, although the weight of the coachwork necessarily influenced an individual car's performance. 

Most 3-litres wore bodywork by Vanden Plas, although coachbuilders the likes of Gurney Nutting, Freestone & Webb, Park Ward, and H J Mulliner, all contributed a variety of bodywork that ranged from simple open tourers to elaborate coup de villes.  

The Bentley 3 Litre remains one of the most collectible sporting cars of the era. 

VEHICLE HISTORY: 

• Chassis number: ‘400’ 
• Engine number: HT1650 
• Registration number: 9-063 (Victoria) 
• Odometer: 00184 Miles

Conceived and constructed by master vintage Bentley craftsman, the late Rod Warriner, over a period of 14 years, this 1923 Bentley 3-4.5 Litre Tourer was his very own car. 

A superb recreation as a homage to the “Le Mans Bentleys” of the period, this 1923 Bentley Tourer is based on original Chassis 400, although little remains of the original after the ‘Warriner treatment’. 

Chassis 400 was delivered new in January 1924 to owner Noel Van Raalte, bodied as a Weymann Saloon by coachbuilders Chalmer & Hoyer. It subsequently passed through several hands in the UK until 1935, when it disappeared from records, its whereabouts unknown.  

Warriner’s recreation began with the aim of building a car that would broaden the appeal of vintage Bentleys to a younger generation of enthusiasts, by making something that that had useability and drivability. 

Julian Ghosh, a major producer of WO Bentley frames, past President of the British VSCC and a 30-98 Vauxhall fancier, shared Warriner’s enthusiasm. 

Thus, the project began with a new Ghosh chassis and a number of parts from chassis 400 including the original dashboard magneto switch-plate displaying the car number. 

Renown coachbuilder Tom Peach built an attractive Vanden Plas-style Tourer body, reflective of the famous Le Mans racers of the ‘20s that made the marque famous. 

Power comes from a larger 4.5 litre engine from 1928, number HT1650, which was originally fitted to a 3 litre chassis. The engine was rebuilt in 2016 by Malcolm Hobbs, who intended for his own car but changed his mind, and ultimately it ended up in this machine. 

Such an engine upgrade has been common Bentley practice over the years, helping to make this example both more suited to modern traffic, and a great cruiser for the open road. 

Now with barely 170 miles recorded, this Bentley has seen little use, and now with Rod’s passing it is being offered for sale for the very first time, and in outstanding condition throughout. 

This beautiful machine is finished in traditional Bentley Green with a matching Connolly leather interior and Wilton carpeting, perched on Black wire wheels with matching hooding. 

Accompanying the car are photos of the construction process, a folder of paperwork and notes, a hard cover Bentley Service book, a Technical Facts of the Vintage Bentley book, and a Bentley Driver’s Club listing of members and their machines. 

Just a wonderful driving package, this Bentley Tourer reflects the artistry and enthusiasm of its proud owner, and offers a tremendous opportunity to purchase such a useable machine in peak condition. 

NOTE: This vehicle has not been offered for sale by the Briggs family, but seperate private estate.  

Previously on Victorian club registration, this 1923 Bentley 3-4.5 Litre Tourer is offered for sale here unregistered.