1923 Bentley 3-Litre 'Blue Label'

The archetypal vintage British sports car. The Bentley 3-Litre models forged the company's early reputation. First released in 1921, with just 1628 cars in four iterations produced in an eight year period, the 3-Litre was the template for the latter 4½ Litre and 'Blower' models.

The first thing that was immediately apparent about this particular car was that it was in immaculate condition. The black coachwork on the running boards was mirror-like and the upholstery in the cabin, unmarked. Of course, any car of this vintage that has been half-used (and the sort of person to have bought these cars would have driven them properly) would be looking at hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock - interstellar mileage. And yes, it has obviously had periodic paintwork and a retrim performed, but this doesn't take away from what is one of the more historically significant vehicles that you will see on the road. The engine is no longer a 2996cc Inline-4, having been upgraded to 4½ Litre specification, offering between 110-120 bhp, but in weighing as much as a 2009 Mercedes S420, then you'll know that progress is better described as 'regal'.

However, the 3-Litre was the Veyron of it's day, being the record holder as the world's fastest production car, and it backed this up with sporting pedigree, taking top honours at Le Mans in 1924 and 1927*. Even though there were only 22 starters in the 1927 race, the only thing that prevented a Bentley 1-2-3 in the event, was an accident involving all three in the early hours charge. Many a famous painting has been drawn and photograph taken, of these iconic, upright locomotives of the road, steaming around Brooklands or la Sarthe.

*Interesting aside: one half of the duo to bring the victorious 3-Litre home in 1927 was Sammy Davis. No, not the smarmy best friend of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, but the well known motor journalist and racer. One of the famed 'Bentley Boys'. These days, if you're a well-connected, wealthy young playboy with time on your hands, you hang out at Boujis and drive your DB9 slowly around the West End, stabbing the throttle when you have a slight pavement audience. Back then? Back then, if you had the youth, money and the time.......you raced your Bentley. He is often credited with designing the famous Aston Martin 'wings' on their badge. Anyone else recognise much similarity between the Aston Martin and Bentley emblems?