A BENTLEY once driven by the famous Fiennes family is expected to fetch up to £180,000 when it goes under the hammer.
The 1923 Bentley 3-Litre will be sold at H&H’s auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on March 15.
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Nicknamed Wilfred, the motor spent the first part of its life being raced at Brooklands – and was victorious in a 90mph Long Handicap, recording two laps at 92.23mph.
It also went on to claim a third-place finish at the 35th 100mph Short Handicap in the hands of Captain Cecil Wingfield Twisleton-Wykeham Fiennes – relative of famed explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and the actor, Ralph Fiennes.
Wilfred is only one of 1,621 examples built between 1921 and 1929.
The car has a continuous vehicle history since it was put into circulation – with replacements and restorations required following a collision.
Surviving the Second World War unscathed, it was damaged in an accident in 1947, requiring a replacement frame.
The vintage vehicle’s retained its engine and petrol tank, however.
The motor comes with a copy of its original Kingsbury factory service record, a handwritten log detailing the late 1940s rebuild, a Bentley handbook, manual and numerous photos and receipts relating to past work.
It’s current owner has owned the car for 60 years.
James McWilliam, senior motorcar specialist at auctioneers H&H Classics, said: “Very rarely do we find cars with such racing pedigree and over sixty years of continuous ownership.
“From winning events at Brooklands, to eventually finding its way to an owner who has looked after Wilfred for over sixty years, it’s a real delight to bring this car to auction.
“Over the years Wilfred has had significant maintenance with specialists and retains a strong connection with its past.
“We expect significant interest from pre-war car and motorsport enthusiasts as this is a rare opportunity to acquire a Bentley from very-long term ownership and with a unique and fascinating backstory.”
The motor is expected to sell for £140,000 – £180,000.
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