The production of the Bentley 3-litre marked the beginning of Bentley Motors as a recognized name in the automobile industry. This car stood firm with the brand’s commitment to luxury and performance and paved the way for Bentley to produce more such remarkable cars in the future. Since this car was already ahead of its time, along with other luxury cars like the Rolls Royce Silver and Cadillac V-16, it laid the groundwork for the inception of the luxury automobile industry. Nonetheless, this was just the beginning of a long journey for Bentley Motors. When it was officially released, this classic sedan-styled car was regarded as a sports tourer. However, upon winning the second Le Mans race, it was recognized as an original sports car. The 1922 Bentley employs a front-layout engine fueling the rear wheels. Weighing 1778 kg, it can travel at a top speed of 129 km/hr and was originally priced around $1328. It featured a 4-cylinder layout driven by a 3.3-litre engine capacity, signifying the advanced mechanism used in the car. The 1922 Bentley possesses a 70hp engine, which might not look too extraordinary today but was considered a technological marvel when it was first released. This car first caught mass attention when it won the 24-hour Le Mans race in 1924, after which people recognized Bentley as a trustworthy brand, simultaneously raising its popularity.
The rise of Bentley Motors to fame dates back in history, when in the early 20th century, W.O. Bentley set forth to create his dream car. Before this, during WWI, Walter had a vision and some prior experience producing cars and aircraft. The founder of Bentley had first created a DFP (Doriot-Flandrin-Parant) for racing, which involved using aluminum pistons that soon became Bentley’s trademark. With a sound knowledge of automobile manufacturing, Walter initially worked on three models: EXP1, EXP2, and EXP3, after which he set out to launch the Bentley 3-litre at the London Motor Show. The first Bentley 3-litre EXP1 was sold to a journalist called Sammy Davis, who left fantastic reviews for the car. Sammy applauded the car for being speedy and sporty and recommended it for long trips without speed limits. On the other hand, the Bentley 3-litre EXP2 was presented at a motor show, and it also participated in the Brooklands race, claiming a triumphant victory in Bentley’s debut race. This model was a developmental version used for test drives. It included two seats and a sporty body and had to be further improved as W.O. Bentley believed that a quieter engine at 70 mph was better than a loud one at 80mph. The Bentley 3-litre amassed a broad following and was first sold in September 1921, marking the beginning of its renowned legacy.
The 1922 Bentley 3-litre embodies the company’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. This vehicle comprises a unique aluminum-reinforced aircraft-inspired engine and an overhead camshaft, which work together to increase the car's precision performance. By employing a 2,966 cc displacement with a 4.4-cylinder layout featuring four valves per cylinder, the car produces 70 horsepower and helps deliver moderately powerful speed outcomes in today's automobile era. However, when this car was launched, it was considered a brisk-speed powerhouse. With an 80mm bore and a stroke of 149 mm, this car’s long-stroke design stands as a notable feature, allowing a 3-liter fuel capacity and guaranteeing high torque through the powerband. The 70 hp produced at 3500 rpm catapults the car into swift motion. Moreover, with a 1778 kg curb weight, this car boasts a sturdy body and can travel 80 mph. By striking the right balance between agility and speed, this car has become an evergreen symbol of automotive excellence that continues to excite car enthusiasts.
When this car was first manufactured, it was no less than a symbol of power and luxury. Having been used by King George, The Duke of York, and the Prince of Wales, this vehicle was an emblem of great prestige and performance. At first glance, upon stepping inside the car, you’ll see an environment of timeless elegance. The car surface is rich iron, and the seats are made of fine upholstery leather. The seating arrangement reflects the grand tourer objective, which revolved around balancing performance and comfort. The cocoon-shaped seats are built to suit the needs of long voyages to provide them with a hassle-free and relaxed journey. The control and gauges of the vehicle are designed with the utmost sophistication, and the steering wheel does not compromise its functionality as it was meticulously designed and placed in the car. More minor details like the door handles and gears are intricately designed to match the car's sophisticated and vintage aesthetic. Lastly, the wooden dashboards are a statement piece of that era, handcrafted to match the vintage aesthetic of that period to offer a comfort-filled ride with no compromise on its looks.
While this car was indeed a revolutionary masterpiece, it left no stone unturned to produce a premium and vintage-looking marvel. The exterior of this car is a classic fusion of form and function. The antique curves, inclined hood, and long bonnet serve vintage perfection and purpose to the vehicle. The unique radiator grille not only exudes an aura of fine craftsmanship but also represents Bentley's longstanding legacy with its brand’s legendary winged symbol. The sides of the car display Bently’s curved fenders, wheel arches and running boards that collectively add grace and a touch of sporty character to the vintage wheels. The car’s chassis reflects design and durability, while its suspension system showcases the imaginative engineering of that era. The back of the car seamlessly integrates with the front design to add cohesiveness to the car’s design. An extra wheel is mounted at the back, resembling other cars of that era and adding additional functionality. The convertible look of the car enhances its silhouette, giving it a classic appeal. The absence of a roof to the car symbolizes the vintage period it was made in, as cars of that time usually sported the no-roof look, allowing passengers to enjoy a breezy and exhilarating ride.
The 1922 Bentley 3-liter was not just a car but a technological pioneer that became the forerunner in setting the automobile industry trends. To begin with, this car incorporated a monobloc engine, considered an iconic innovation of its time. Moreover, with a 4.4-cylinder, this car features four valves per cylinder. This efficient design allows optimal wind flow and fuel combustion, increasing the performance of this vehicle. The car's engine employed twin magnetos and spark plugs. Utilizing this dual ignition enhanced the smooth operation of the car and ensured complete combustion of air with fuel. Furthermore, using magnesium and aluminum in large amounts spoke for Bentley’s quest for using durable yet lightweight material. Considering that the weight of a car directly impacts its speed, Bentley’s use of lightweight material challenged the boundaries of the automobile industry, setting it apart from its competitors. The semi-elliptic leaf spring and axles offered high performance, and the friction dampers installed on both sides aimed to increase the overall ride quality. All of these minor advancements in the 1922 Bentley 3-litre combined to make it the technological trailblazer it is today.
The 1922 Bentley specialized in crafting superior-quality vehicles with advanced mechanical properties. Considering the brand’s attention to detail and the use of high-quality control systems, this was not an ordinary vehicle. Due to the premium design and engineering of the car, it was priced at around $1328.74 back when it was released. Since this car was a symbol of prestige, it was bought by a specific high-profile clientele. Bentley’s noteworthy clients include The Duke of York, King George, and The Prince of Wales. Due to the bespoke nature of the car, Bentley allowed its clients to personalize their car, adding to the price of the vehicle.
While this car was a hit when first released in 1922, cars like this are evergreen antiques. This means that while the Bentley 3-litre was produced a long time ago, it is still cherished by car enthusiasts, specifically vintage lovers, due to its breakthrough look and performance. Talking about automobile admires, if you’re fond of classic cars and have a knack for buying and selling, then Exotic Car Trader should be your go-to when dealing with buying or selling a classic or exotic car. Browse our website and scroll through different Bentley models that might meet your needs!
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