1926 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model
- Engine
- 3.0L inline-four with C-type gearbox and SU sloper carburetors

Chassis AX1668 is a late-production Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model, one of two cars ordered simultaneously by Buenos Aires importers for Argentina and built to a specification matching that of a well-known Argentine racing driver. Equipped with the desirable C-type gearbox, SU sloper carburetors, and a Vanden Plas fabric four-seater body with distinctive curved windscreen irons, the car raced in Argentina in 1927 before passing through several owners over the following decades. A thorough restoration by specialist Jeff McDonald preserved virtually all original major components — chassis, engine, axles, gearbox, and steering box — and earned First in Class at Pebble Beach in 2001 and Best of Show Prewar at the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club National Meet in 2004.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$555,000
- → 1963Acquisition unknownSuccessive Argentine ownersnone documentation
Several consecutive Argentine custodians held the car before 1963; no individual names recorded.
- 1963 →Acquisition unknownE. Gomez Ortegapartial documentation
Had the vehicle returned to sound mechanical and presentable cosmetic condition during his stewardship.
- 2018 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Has driven the car regularly while maintaining the restoration; oversaw engine rebuild, full gearbox overhaul, and a high-quality interior retrim using Connolly leather and wool carpets.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryJosé Shepherd and Bellpartial documentation
Buenos Aires importers who ordered the chassis alongside a second 3-Litre, specifying identical specification to a car campaigned by a noted local racing driver.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPaul Pinsentpartial documentation
A period photograph from his tenure shows the Marchal headlights in place; fuel tank enlargement and spare wheel repositioning are attributed to his ownership.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJames McCloudpartial documentation
American automotive executive working in Argentina at the time; an enthusiast who transported the car to the United States.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPeter Hagemanpartial documentation
Noted as his first acquisition of a W.O.-era Bentley.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownTed Reichfull documentation
Prominent Rolls-Royce and Bentley collector who commissioned a thorough restoration by specialist Jeff McDonald; marque historian Clare Hay's report confirming component originality is part of the documented file.
Competition
- 1927-08-01San Martín Autódromo eventDriver: Gastón or León Gouriot
One of two races held at the San Martín circuit; driver first name uncertain per the historian's account.
- 1927-09-01San Martín Autódromo eventDriver: Gastón or León Gouriot
Second of two events at the same venue that season; sourced from historian Guillermo Sánchez Bouchard.
- 20012001 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance1st in class
Achieved the class top award following the comprehensive restoration completed by Jeff McDonald.
- 2004Rolls-Royce Owners' Club National MeetBest of Show Prewar
Took the top prewar honor at the national gathering of the RROC.
- 2007Mille Miglia RetrospectiveDriver: Ted Reich
Owner Ted Reich drove the car in the historic touring event, demonstrating its mechanical capability alongside its concours pedigree.
- 2021Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza
The car received an invitation to compete but did not attend; it remained in the consignor's collection.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1963Mechanical
Car was restored to serviceable running condition and presentable cosmetic state by owner E. Gomez Ortega.
- —RestorationJeff McDonald, Canby Oregon
Full restoration carried out with close attention to originality; original chassis, engine, axles, gearbox, steering box, and most major mechanical components were retained. Body fabric was replaced over original framing, new upholstery fitted over original seat springs, and a replacement hood made while the original was kept. Modern finned cast-iron brake drums were the principal deviation from factory specification.
Restoration completed prior to the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours. Condition subsequently verified by marque historian Clare Hay, whose written report is held in the car's file.
- —Engine rebuild
Engine overhauled with replacement pistons, valves, valve guides, water pump, clutch, and pressure plate fitted.
Carried out during the current consignor's ownership, which began in 2018.
- —Mechanical
Gearbox fully stripped and rebuilt.
Undertaken during the consignor's ownership alongside the engine rebuild.
- —Bodywork
Interior completely reupholstered using Connolly leather and wool carpeting; a new tonneau cover and hood boot were also fitted.
Carried out during the consignor's ownership from 2018 onward.
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