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Chassis:
Chassis 3 was the first Bentley ever sold to a customer and today is the oldest example in existence. This first customer was Ivor Llewelyn, who would go on to buy two more 3 Litre Bentleys and who also was the father of actor Desmond Llewelyn of 'Q' from James Bond fame. Perhaps one of the reasons this car was ready so quickly was the relatively straightforward body-work specified by Llewelyn. Most likely created by Harrison & Son, the open body still had Edwardian traits and the aluminium panels were left unpainted. In 1928 Llewelyn sold the car and in the following years changed hands several times more. By the 1950s it was already recognised as the oldest Bentley in existence and it was displayed at several British Driving Club (BDC) events.
In 1957 the 3 Litre Bentley was sold to an American and at the end of the year left the UK for New York on the SS American Farmer. During the 1960s the oldest Bentley in the world would have several more owners and was also featured in great detail in the BDC Review magazine. In 1971 Chassis 3 was acquired by Breene Kerr and William E. Howell. They planned to restore the car to its original specification and despite working on the Bentley for several years failed to complete the project. Over two decades later the current owner purchased the project and spent the next five years properly restoring the car. In 1999 the 3 Litre Bentley was back on the road for the first time in nearly 30 years. Since then it has been used extensively in numerous events and rallies. The owner has now decided to part with this most important Bentley and it will be offered by Gooding & Company at their annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Saturday, August 20th.
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3 Litre Harrison Tourer
