1927 Bentley 3-Litre Vanden Plas-style Tourer
Registration no. NF 1870
Chassis no. TN1556
Engine no. TN1556

According to factory records, 'Blue Label' 3-Litre chassis number 'TN1556' was completed in January 1927 with saloon coachwork by H J Mulliner. The car was registered 'NF 1870' and first owned by a Miss Alker in York, who appears to have kept it for 30 years.

The Bentley subsequently passed through the hands of several owners (listed in the accompanying old-style buff logbook) before being acquired in 1964 by Dr Albert Houghton of Pulverbatch, Shropshire. David Hamblin of Church Stretton purchased the car from Dr Houghton in 1977, at which time the odometer reading was 63,000 miles. Some 30 years later the total had risen to just 74,000 miles (currently 75,037).

In 1978 the car was stripped to its chassis and a new open body built using full-scale templates taken from a Vanden Plas four-seat tourer. Cabinet-maker Philip Turner of Cannock constructed the seasoned ash frame, which was clad in aluminium panels finished in layers of hessian, cotton wadding and a waterproof outer fabric. All the bodywork forward of the bulkhead remains original.
The seats were re-trimmed in red hide and a new dashboard custom made in mahogany. All the original instruments were refitted together with a period 24-hour aircraft clock, which was on the car when purchased in 1977. A new double-duck hood and tonneau cover were installed also.

Mechanically the car was found to be in very sound condition and little work was required on the engine, which is the later 'big crank' type. A coaxial pre-engaged starter has been fitted. The cam gear was rebuilt around 1997 and the dynamo has been rebuilt also. A new up-rated oil pump has been fitted together with an in-line filter. The car has also been fitted with a custom-made exhaust system in heavy-gauge stainless steel.

The front André Hartford friction shock absorbers were renewed circa 2007, as were both front brake drums, which are now finned for better cooling. The rear axle has been fitted with a new crown wheel and pinion to raise the gearing for more relaxed cruising (original components retained). The kingpins likewise were totally rebuilt. Driving lamps are the original Lucas items and the car still has the original torpedo sidelights on the front wings. Modern indicators have been discreetly fitted front and rear for safety reasons.

Mr Hamblin used the Bentley for light touring and also of a trip to Le Mans, keeping the car for some 30 years before offering it for sale in 2007 where it was purchased by the current owner, an enthusiastic BDC member. Regularly MoT'd and used on the road, albeit sparingly, the car has covered only some 1,000 miles in the last 15 years and has been maintained and repaired whenever necessary. In 2018/2019, the Bentley was used for a Breitling watches advertisement, driven by a model. Always kept garaged, this 3-Litre replaced a Flying Spur and is only being sold now to make space for yet another Bentley.