1928 – Bentley 3 Litre Skiff by Barker | Autoworld 2026 | Auction & Motion | 10th Oct 2026

• Chassis No. DN1734
• Vehicle sold without an MOT

‘Well-documented history; bodywork from the 1926 London Motor Show’

In the early 1910s, Walter-Owen Bentley ran a French car dealership in London with his brother. In 1914, he tuned a small DFP (Doriot-Flandrin-Parant), notably by fitting aluminium pistons, which would henceforth become his ‘trademark’. In the aftermath of the First World War, W.-O. decided to build his own car and founded Bentley Motors Limited on 10 January 1919. He developed a superb, aeronautically inspired engine with an overhead camshaft and extensive use of aluminium: a 2,996 cm³ four-cylinder unit producing 70 ch, mated to an interesting four-speed gearbox. It was a ‘long-stroke’ engine (149 mm stroke by 80 mm bore) delivering very high torque, distinguished by an incredibly low idle speed (400 rpm) and its quiet operation. 

The first Bentley 3 Litre was unveiled at the London Motor Show that same year; some parts, which weren’t ready in time, were made of wood and featured trompe-l’œil detailing, but the car was already a huge success! Following the first three prototypes (EXP1, EXP2 and EXP3), the very first production car went on sale in September 1921. Initially regarded as a sports tourer, the Bentley 3-litre became a true sports car when it won the second edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924. The legend of the Bentley Boys and the Crewe factory was well and truly underway… The 3-litre, the brand’s cornerstone, saw 1,624 units produced up until 1928.  

Our example was delivered on 15 October 1928 with a two-door coupé body by W. Arnold of Manchester to its first owner, Mr A. Sidebottom. As one of the last 10 3-litre models delivered, #DN1734 has the considerable advantage of being mounted on a 4.5-litre-type chassis, which is far sturdier than those of the 3-litre models, which were notorious for breaking under strain. In 1967, the car passed to its second owner, who decided to replace the two-door coupé bodywork with a Tourer designed by Freestone and Webb, based on a 1923 3 Litre. It changed hands again in 1978, before being put up for auction in 2004, still in this configuration, requiring some engine refurbishment. Its fourth owner kept #DN1734 for only a short time before passing it on to the current owner, a discerning collector of pre-war cars.

Following its purchase, the family who owned the original chassis of this Freestone and Webb Tourer offered to sell it back to the collector. As a true connoisseur, the current owner simultaneously found the original bodywork for the Bentley 3 Litre #LT1578: a Barker-built Skiff, exhibited at the London Motor Show in 1926. #DN1734 now has a new, highly significant body, which it still bears today. After some twenty years together, this sumptuous 3 Litre presents itself to us in superb condition, both in terms of running order and appearance. It is accompanied by a comprehensive dossier detailing its history and the mechanical work carried out by its current owner. 

Now offered at a very attractive estimate, this 3 Litre – with its well-documented history and high-quality bodywork – is sure to delight any enthusiast seeking one of the finest pre-war cars!