1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model
- Engine
- 3.0L, large-sump engine (no. SR 1424), SU G5 sloper carburetors
Chassis 1108 is a 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model bodied by Vanden Plas as a sporting four-seater. Delivered new to J. L. Loftus, it received a period 'big sump' engine in the mid-to-late 1930s and was photographed racing at Donington before the war. Post-war it won its class twice at Bentley Drivers Club Concours events. From 1975 it spent 45 years with the Nagler family in the United States, who drove it extensively and carried out meticulous mechanical and cosmetic restoration using correct period-type components.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$335,000
- 1925-08-01 →Factory deliveryJ. L. Loftusfull documentation
Original recipient of the chassis, delivered with a Vanden Plas four-seater body; build records held by the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation confirm the delivery date.
- 1949-12-01 →K. J. Dangerfieldpartial documentation
Recorded as owner in December 1949; converted the brakes to hydraulic specification during his tenure.
- 1961 → 1975Acquisition unknownEdward C. Selfepartial documentation
Owned the car for approximately fourteen years before it was offered for sale.
- 1975 →Private saleCharles Naglerfull documentation
Acquired late in the year following detailed negotiations; oversaw an extensive and methodical restoration and maintenance programme spanning 45 years, with the car remaining in the family thereafter.
- Date unknownA. Terrillpartial documentation
- Date unknownCharles Meredithpartial documentation
Corresponded with the Bentley Drivers Club regarding the engine change and brake conversion history.
- Date unknownCharles Tudsburypartial documentation
Competition
- 1956Bentley Drivers Club ConcoursBentley Drivers Club Concours 19561st in class
- 1957Bentley Drivers Club ConcoursBentley Drivers Club Concours 19571st in class
- 1977Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada meet
First public showing by the Nagler family, prior to completion of the full restoration.
- 1992Rolls-Royce Owners' ClubRolls-Royce Owners' Club National Meet 1992Driver: Todd Nagler92 out of 100 points
Shown on behalf of the Nagler family by Todd Nagler.
- 2019Rolls-Royce Owners' ClubRolls-Royce Owners' Club National Meet 2019
Exhibited at the Troy, Michigan national gathering.
- —Donington Park race meeting (pre-war)
Pre-war period photographs show the car competing at Donington carrying race number 33; precise date unknown.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1976Engine rebuildConnie Bouchard
Engine rebuilt with rebabbited pistons and new bearings; carburettors and magnetos also overhauled; new exhaust system fabricated.
Comprehensive handwritten notes by Bouchard are retained in the Nagler history file.
- 1976MechanicalHofmann & Mountfort
Correct replacement springs sourced and fitted; SU G5 'sloper' carburettors of original specification also sourced and installed as part of an ongoing programme to use authentic period-correct parts.
Part of the Naglers' methodical approach to correctness begun shortly after acquisition.
- —Modification
Braking system converted from mechanical to hydraulic specification by then-owner Dangerfield.
Noted in Bentley Drivers Club correspondence to a subsequent owner.
- —Engine rebuild
Original engine replaced with a period 'big sump' unit, engine number SR 1424, assessed as having been fitted in the mid-to-late 1930s to prepare the car for competition use.
Identified and assessed by vintage Bentley authority Clare Hay.
- —RestorationJohn Hunt
Comprehensive mechanical and bodywork restoration carried out, with paint and upholstery completed by specialist contractors; numerous rare components sourced and fabricated.
British craftsman John Hunt contributed substantially, with detailed handwritten records of the work retained in the Nagler file. Restoration was completed before the 1992 concours entry.
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