Bentley 3ltr Speed
Boat Tail
1927 Three Litre
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.
Awards
Concours of Elegance
Restoration work was completed on this magnificent 1927 Three Litre Bentley Speed Model Boat Tail.
The car was recently unveiled to the public after 60 years in private ownership and immediately won two illustrious awards (The Magneto Magazine award and Best in Class for a 1920s car) at the Hampton Court Palace Concours de Elegance, September 2024.
View the other winners here: Concours of Elegance.
Royal Automobile Club
Judges' Comment
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.
You can see the other finalists here: The Royal Automobile Club Website
