Goodwood Members' Meeting Auction - 13 April 2025, 13:00 BST
Image: 1927 Bentley 3/8-Litre Competition Special 'The Other Gun'
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. BL1623
Engine no. BA 2596
• Built by Stanley Mann Racing
• Original 1929 Speed Six engine uprated to 8 litres
• 330bhp and over 550lb/ft of torque
• Raced successfully 2007-2009
• Present ownership since 2012
Known to its constructors Stanley Mann Racing as 'The Other Gun' (they were racing 'Mother Gun' at the time), this exciting Bentley competition special is based on a 1927 Bentley 3-Litre 'Red Label', chassis number 'BL1623', which had been off the road since 1965. Originally a Carbodies saloon, the Bentley was sold new via Henlys Ltd of Great Portland St, London to R F B Mackay of Glentruitton, Oban. Registered as 'YT 2204', the car is known to have been re-bodied as a tourer sometime before 1949.
Stanley Mann purchased 'YT 2204' at a UK auction in 2004. The car had spent many years off the road in dry storage and was in 'tired' condition. The ensuing rebuild and transformation into a truly competitive 3/8-Litre competition special would take the next two years to complete. All the work was done at Stanley Mann Racing under the supervision of one of the best Vintage Bentley race engineers: the highly respected Stuart Fearnside (now of FS Racing).
Suitably refurbished, the original 9' 9" wheelbase chassis was retained, as were the front and rear axles. Fabricated to great effect in the style of a Brooklands Outer Circuit racer, the polished aluminium body is the work of Peter Claridge.
Originally in chassis number 'BA2597', the 1929 6½-Litre Speed Six engine has been enlarged to eight litres capacity, featuring a Phoenix crankshaft and rockers, Carrillo con-rods, a high-lift camshaft, Bill Miller pistons, and an AP Racing clutch. Aircraft-specification twin Scintilla magnetos provide the sparks. Approximate maximum outputs are 300bhp and 550lb/ft of torque.
The gearbox is a D-type four-speeder with original lid and a new BDC casing (assembled by the late John Hunt). The rear axle has a lightweight magnesium nosepiece and 3.3:1 final drive ratio giving a top speed of around 120mph. Installing a 3.0:1 final drive ratio apparently gives around 150mph on longer circuits.
The brakes are hydraulically operated four-wheel drums with upgraded linings, shoes and ventilation, etc. The steering box has a normal 3-Litre ratio but connects to an altered drop-arm; steering response is quicker than a 4½-Litre car's but slower than a 3-Litre (a design conceived with beaded-edge tyres in mind).
Notable racing results include: 2007 Silverstone (4th); Oulton Park (4th); 2008 Silverstone (7th and 7th); 2009 Silverstone (5th and 7th), Oulton Park (5th), First Donington (5th and 4th), Silverstone (5th in First Vintage, 8th in Second Vintage). Stickers inside the car from the following events: Schloss Dyck Classic Days 2010; Silverstone Spring Stars 2012; VSCC Speed Trials at Brooklands, Pomeroy Trophy 2011; Schloss Dyck Classic Days 2011; Richard Seaman V&H Historic Meeting 2007; Hawthorn Memorial Trophy 2009; and Seaman Memorial Trophy 2009.
Capable of road or race use, the Bentley was circuit tested by respected motoring journalist and experienced racing driver Tony Dron as part of an article for Octane magazine's August 2009 edition. Tony found that the car went really well, and was 'just as happy going down the country lanes of Hertfordshire as on a race track. Uprated Bentley brakes - yes, it can stop as well as it goes'.
Our vendor purchased the Bentley from Stanley Mann in 2012, since when it has been used occasionally. The car is offered with European registration papers; a copy of an old UK V5 registration document and logbooks; copy of partial factory record; copy of the 2012 purchase receipt; a selection of action photographs; and ownership history since new. Also on file is an Oldtimertaxatie Valuation Report dated April 2024 which concludes: 'The car had a short but successful race career, and it is still in very good overall condition.'
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
Text & Image: Bonhams
