1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model boat-tail

Marque: Bentley
Model: 3 Litre Speed Model
Year: 1927
Coachwork: Martin Walter Ltd, Folkestone
In the workshop: 2020 to 2024
Recognition: RAC Historic Award for Restoration 2024

This incredible Bentley, owned by the Jaques family, was brought to us by the highly knowledgeable collector Chris Jaques, in early 2020.

Chris knew that masked by the rather heavy restoration of the 1980s, there lay great potential.

We had the car at Julian Parker Ltd for almost four years - painstakingly researching, restoring and conserving every last detail, from the reinstatement of the original split body panel for flexibility and lightness, to the exquisite marquetry required to restore the curved wooden boat tail.

When the project was completed in September 2024 and the car was seen again publicly for the first time in 60 years, it drew a constant buzz of delight at Hampton Court Palace’s Concours of Elegance. Scooping both the Magneto ‘Art of Bespoke’ Award for the bodywork and the Best in Class for the 1920s. From this wonderful reception, it was then nominated for the Royal Automobile Club’s Historic Awards for Restoration and after shortlisting and expert scrutiny of the car and the meticulous documentation of works, it was awarded as a winner.

What the judges said

The Bentley was restored over a three and a half year period by Julian Parker Ltd for the owner Chris Jaques, who was passionate and meticulous about bringing the car, and its exotic and unique body, back to how it first appeared 98 years ago. Sadly Chris did not live to see the project finished, but his family have taken the car on with equal dedication.
The standard of Julian Parker’s patient and painstaking workmanship is extraordinary, particularly in recreating the woodwork of the body which is the car’s most arresting feature. Over the years it had been damaged, bodged or even completely disappeared. And yet their only source of reference was three black and white photos taken of the car when it was first made.
Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards, 2024

Since then

The car went on to take Best in Show at the first RAC Concours in July 2025. Under its new owner, Edward Gregory, it won First in Class at the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2026, with Julian there to see it.

From the workshop

Photography by Jim Holden. Select any photograph to enlarge.

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Your motorcar

Talk to us about your car

Conserve wherever possible, repair if required, restore if necessary. If you own a pre-war motorcar and would like advice, Julian is happy to talk it through.

Arrange a visit Call 01825 740945