1924 Bentley 3 Litre
Dec / Jan 2024
SAM CHARLWOOD
Photographs Tony Sheffield
WHEN IT WAS NEW Price: $UK1100 | Engine: 4.4-litre four-cylinder petrol (retrofitted) | 0-100km/h: 14 seconds | Top speed: 160km/h
CLOCKING TRIPLE FIGURES has been the calling card of the Bentley 3 Litre since its inception, but this Kangaroo Valley-based example is about to notch triple figures of a different kind.
In 2024, Barrie Young’s model turns 100. It’s an incredible feat for a vehicle originally devoted to performance and lusted after by aristocrats, gentleman racers and even kings for its ability to top out at 100mph (160km/h).
To mark the milestone, Barrie is celebrating in a fitting way: taking the Bentley on a cross-country road trip. “The idea of these cars is to drive them, use them, wear them out and fix them. And then drive them some more,” Barrie says. “A friend of mine in Gunnedah also has a 1924 Bentley. We’re planning a big road trip, probably to southern NSW.”
The 3 Litre epitomises W.O. Bentley’s vision for a great car. Produced from 1921 to 1929, it brought an enjoyable driving experience and an air of racing pedigree, amassing two 24 Hours of Le Mans wins in 1924 and 1927.
Just 1622 Bentley 3 Litres were produced during the eight-year production run. Many of them, including Barrie’s, had their chassis retrofitted with the more powerful 1927 4.4-litre in-line four-cylinder engine in a bid for greater performance. Today, it isn’t uncommon for surviving examples to be regularly driven, despite six-figure values.
Barrie fell in love with the Bentley marque at a young age, in part because of the rebellious personalities who drove them at speed. “My dream of owning a Bentley goes back to when I was a kid in England,” he says. “I’d seen images of Bentleys in books and that stuck with me until my best friend, Mike Greasley, was kind enough to let me drive his three Bentleys [when I was in my 30s].”
In the 1990s, Barrie, still living in the UK, got serious about Bentley ownership. He and his wife Veronica spent the “best part of a year” scouring the UK for the right car. This 1924 model popped up, advertised as ‘not quite fully restored’, with UK logbooks and a loose ownership history.
“I really wanted to buy a Bentley, but it was outside my financial capabilities,” Barrie says. “I had vintage cars at the time, but when Mum and Dad passed away, we sold their house and it was enough to pay for a third of the Bentley.”
This was in 1995, and Barrie and Veronica drove the Bentley “touring the UK, Ireland, France and other parts of Europe”. When they moved to Australia in 1999, the Bentley came too. It has since taken the Youngs as far as Tasmania, as well as on lengthy drives through NSW and beyond.
“On the dashboard there’s a silver container, which is hallmarked from Birmingham from the year my dad was born, 1916. Some of his ashes are in the container, so wherever we go,
Dad goes with us,” Barrie smiles. “Not in Dad’s wildest dreams would he have imagined owning a Bentley.”
Painted in British racing green, the Bentley bears evidence of regular use, including its patina coachwork finish. Barrie says it requires regular, if not constant, fettling, but it has served him with largely trouble-free motoring. With leaf springs at each corner, narrow tyres and four-wheel rod brakes, driving requires focus when navigating the mountains either side of Kangaroo Valley. Climbing the rev spectrum of the 4.4-litre engine also demands close attention, as there is no synchromesh on the four-speed manual transmission.
“It’s a demanding car to drive,” Barrie says. “It’s capable of doing 100mph, but unlike modern cars, which are very forgiving, you can’t afford to brake too late, understeer or oversteer into a corner.
“You need to get gear changes done before a corner, you want to hit the apexes – the car wants to be driven like that. It’s certainly a lot of fun – and every day I look at it I think, what a huge privilege to be its caretaker.”
Back Issue December / January 2024 (PDF Download)
Relive the beauty of the Southern Highlands with this digital back issue of Highlife.
Green sets the scene
Green-patterned fabrics planted the seed for a lush and lavish renovation at Treetops, a former lodge-style timber home in Mittagong that has had a Hamptons-style revamp.
Melting moments
Acclaimed glass artist Scott Chaseling and his wife, arts writer and jewellery maker Gina Fairley, show us Small Impact Studio, where they turn old wine bottles into appealing homewares and jewellery.
Cool, calm and collected
Whether you call it a lake, a dam or a pond, the sight of water is key to the enjoyment of a garden or property. We ask two owners what they love about their water views.
Healing horses and heroes
Horse Aid, a program that connects veterans and first responders suffering PTSD with ex-racehorses unable to adjust to life off the track, has had success in helping both humans and horses.
Making music
Inspired by composers as varied as Debussy and Scott Joplin, Ann Carr-Boyd AM, patron of the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra, has composed more than 300 works over 60 years.
Off to a flourishing start
Five years ago Lyndal and Anthony Pierce’s one acre property contained the remnants of an apple orchard and little else. After building their house, they started a garden that is already picture perfect.
Berry treasure
If you love berries, Kirstine McKay has plenty of tips for growing your own. She grows 18 types in her Greenlaw garden and reaps the benefits year round.
The accidental botanist
Janet Cosh’s late-in-life love of collecting Southern Highlands and Illawarra plant specimens resulted in the University of Wollongong’s Janet Cosh Herbarium. Today, the herbarium needs help.
Christmas is booked
Summer means plenty of time for reading and relaxation. Our annual holiday reading guide has plenty of ideas for Christmas gifts, or your own wish list.
This is a virtual product. Upon purchase, you’ll receive instant access to download the magazine as a PDF. A secure download link will also be sent directly to your email, so you can revisit and enjoy your issue anytime.
