Boat Tail Bentley Vintage Bentley for sale

Julian Parker Ltd is delighted to support the Jaques family in the sale of this exceptional motor car:

Price on Application

1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model

Boat Tail Body by Martin Walter Ltd

Chassis No: T.N.1564

Engine No: TN1 563

Gearbox No: 8182

We proudly present a rare opportunity to own a unique vintage Bentley. This truly stunning 3 Litre Speed Model retains its original, one-of-a-kind boat tail body handcrafted by Martin Walter Ltd in 1927.

With exceptional provenance, this car, hitherto unseen on the international stage, is perfectly poised to have significant impact at events of such calibre as Pebble Beach and Villa d'Este.

The superb coach building by Martin Walter Ltd captures the elegance and style typical of the joie de vivre of the period. The body, commisioned by a young officer named Mears, displays direct design references to nautical and boating elements, particularly the iconic Gentlemen's Slipper Launches of the era. The teak deck and flag pole, the side pontoons and the lightness of line that characterise the movement and speed of these optimistic times, all bring a sense of the riviera to the road.

This motorcar is the only boat-tailed body ever to have been created by Martin Walter Ltd.

Vintage Boat tail Bentley original Bentley for sale

Vintage Bentley Boat tail Bentley for sale

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The three original photographs above were taken for Martin Walter Ltd

on completion of the body in 1927. (Images courtesy of the REVS institute)

The car has a wealth of documentation charting its near-century of continuous private ownership and confirming the exact authenticity of its features. This archive includes the original Bentley build sheets and service records; numerous period receipts and correspondence; family photograph albums from its earliest days; and an inspection report from the world's leading Bentley expert, Dr Clare Hay.

1927 Bentley 3 Litre Boat Tail Speed Model - Mears' Family

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Early photographs taken whilst the car was in the Mears’ family ownership.

The meticulous four year restoration process, by Julian Parker Ltd, was commissioned in 2020 by the owner, lifelong car enthusiast and collector, Chris Jaques. He recognised the rarity of this exceptional body. He could see what a highly-considered and accurate restoration would bring to this unique car. Julian and Chris worked very closely to ensure that every detail; every single washer, nut and clip was entirely as it should be, even down to such detail as sourcing the period correct varnish for the teak decking.

In the months following the restoration, the Bentley has only attended a few smaller UK events where it immediately drew the highest praise, scooping major awards each time. One such accolade was the Royal Automobile Club's Historic Award for Restoration.

The car has not yet been seen outside the United Kingdom and offers the incredibly rare opportunity to own an unparalleled car, completely concourse ready to make its debut entry into all future international events, including the most prestigious in the calendar, Pebble Beach and Villa d'Este.

Sadly, Chris Jaques was not able to see the final result of the restoration but his son, Emmett, has stepped into his father’s shoes and will represent the Jaques family throughout the sale.