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Chassis:
Laid out in the spring of 1930, chassis HM2868 is today better known as Old No. 2 for the starting number it most famously used. In May of that year it took a commanding victory at Brooklands in the hands of Barnato and Clement. A few weeks later, it was piloted to second at Le Mans by Clement and Richard Watney after a fierce battle that last for much of the 24-hour race. Bentley announced its withdrawal from racing just two weeks after the race and 'Old No. 2' was sold to a customer shortly after.
The subsequent owners did not race the car but used it mainly on the road. 'Old No. 2' frequently returned to the works for servicing. In the early 1950s, it was sold to the United States where it remained in the same ownership for 25 years. The next owner showed the car at various events in the lates 1970s and early '80s. In 1984 Team Car returned to Great Britain. It was next offered at Christie's Le Mans Classic auction in 2004 where it was sold for a staggering $5,123,922, setting a new record for a Bentley sold at auction. It has since been shown by the new owner at various events on both sides of the Atlantic.
Chassis details |
Manufactured in |
May 1930 |
Engine number |
HM2872 |
First owner |
Bentley Motors |
License plate |
GF 8507 |
Last known location |
Greek Private Collection |
Appearances |
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Most recent auction(s) |
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