1926 Bentley 3/4½ Litre Tourer
1926 Bentley 3/4½ Litre Tourer
Coachwork by Vickers
Chassis No.: NR503
Engine No.: 1045
Registration No.: YM 8765
Overview
This 1926 Bentley 3/4½ Litre Tourer is a rare and wonderfully authentic piece of British motoring history — beautifully restored, mechanically upgraded, and one of only five cars bodied by Vickers on a 3 Litre chassis. Of those five, this is the only known survivor.
Combining originality with modern touring practicality and exceptional craftsmanship, this Bentley represents the best of both worlds: historical preservation and exhilarating performance. The car has undergone a significant rebuild by Stanley Mann Racing, bringing it to full 4½ Litre specification with racing upgrades — all while retaining its original 1926 Vickers coachwork.
Vehicle Details
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Make: Bentley
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Model: 3/4½ Litre
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Year: 1926
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Chassis Number: NR503
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Engine Number: 1045
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Registration: YM 8765 (UK)
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Body Style: Open Tourer
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Coachbuilder: Vickers
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Condition: Restored; excellent mechanical and cosmetic presentation
Mechanical Specification & Upgrades
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Rebuilt to full 4½ Litre specification with:
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Racing crankshaft and connecting rods
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Big blower magnetos
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Overdrive for effortless cruising
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Rebuilt radiator
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Rebuilt wheels and brake system
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Cruising speed of 90+ mph comfortably
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Maintains tightness and freshness from a restoration done 10 years ago with minimal mileage since
Coachwork & Originality
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Fitted with its original 1926 Vickers open tourer body — one of only five ever produced for Bentley 3 Litre chassis
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This is the only known surviving example, making it a historically unique piece
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Still looks almost identical to how it appeared in archival photographs over 60 years ago
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Side curtains included (tourer’s version of windows), adding all-weather practicality for long-distance use
Driving Experience
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Described by its restorer as “a great long-distance tourer” with “an excellent turn of speed”
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Engine upgrades and overdrive make this a true driver’s Bentley – happy to cruise at high speed all day
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Spacious, practical layout ideal for touring holidays, even when “Madam insists on taking all her luggage”
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Described as “a very fresh-looking rebuild without bull” – honest, usable, and exhilarating
Provenance & Presentation
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Restored approximately 10 years ago, driven sparingly since
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Maintained in excellent, road-ready condition
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Comes with historical documentation including early photographs, restoration notes, and more
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Well known in the vintage Bentley community
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Represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and originality in the early Bentley touring world
Highlights
✔ One-of-one survivor of Vickers-bodied Bentleys
✔ Retains original 1926 coachwork
✔ Rebuilt to 4½ Litre performance specification by Stanley Mann Racing
✔ Highly practical, elegant, and exhilarating to drive
✔ Overdrive-equipped for long-distance touring
✔ Eligible for the Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival, and more
✔ Rare, stylish, and loaded with character – a true piece of British motoring art