Fitted with Vanden Plas bodywork, the Bentley 3 Litre was the quintessential British sports car. It won Le Mans in 1924 and again in 1927 with Super Sports trim. The model was first seen at the 1919 London Motor Show where its advanced engine took center stage. This overhead-cam design was one of the first to feature 4 valves per cylinder. Furthermore the block and cylinderhead were cast in one piece with provisions for two spark plugs per cylinder. It took Bentley two additional years to sort out the engine, but in 1921, the 3 Litre put Bentley on the automotive map. Due to its size Ettore Bugatti reported called it “the fastest lorry in the world.” The 3 Litre experienced a long production run from 1921 until 1929. During this period 1622 examples were produced which includes 513 short-chassis Speed models and 18 Super Sports.
type
Concept / Prototype Car
production years
1921 – 1929
released at
1919 London Motor Show
built at
England
production
1088
engine
Inline-4
position
Front, Longitudinal
aspiration
Natural
ignition
Twin-Spark
valvetrain
4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed
Carburetors
displacement
2996 cc / 182.83 in³
bore
80 mm / 3.1 in
stroke
149 mm / 5.9 in
power
52.2 kw / 70 bhp
specific output
23.36 bhp per litre
top speed
~128.72 kph / 80 m
Engine
Configuration
Straight 4
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction
cast-iron block and head
Displacement
2,996 cc / 182.8 cu in
Bore / Stroke
80.0 mm (3.1 in) / 149.0 mm (5.9 in)
Compression
4.3:1
Valvetrain
4 valves / cylinder, SOHC
Fuel feed
2 SU HVG5 Carburettors
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Power
70 bhp / 52 kW @ 3,500 rpm
BHP/Liter
23 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Body
aluminium body panels
Chassis
steel ladder frame
Suspension (fr/r)
solid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, friction dampers
Steering
worm-and-wheel
Brakes
rear drum brakes
Gearbox
4 speed Manual
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2,980 mm (117.3 in) / 1,420 mm (55.9 in) / 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
