This abandoned Bentley found new life as a competition special

Like many Bentley specials that have been converted in recent years, ‘The Other Gun’ started life as a Bentley 3-Litre ‘Red Label’ as a Carbodies saloon. The separate chassis construction lends itself to relatively straightforward reconfiguration. 

It was sold new via Henlys of Great Portland Street, London, to FB Mackay of Oban, and the car is known to have been rebodied as a tourer by 1949. 

By the time Stanley Mann Racing bought the car from auction in 2004, it was in ‘tired’ condition. This marked the beginning of its two-year transformation into a 3/8-Litre Competition Special and the car’s third body in its near 100-year life.

‘The Other Gun’ retains the original 9ft 9" wheelbase chassis and front and rear axles beneath the new Peter Claridge-crafted aluminium bodywork, which apes the style of a Brooklands Outer Circuit racer.

The panels may only be a couple of decades old, but they look suitably patinated and have plenty of period correct details with rows of louvres and leather bonnet straps appearing authentically pre-war. It’s a similar story in the cockpit, too, where two basic seats trimmed in green leather could easily pass for being a century old.

The 61/2-Litre Speed Six engine dates from 1929 and has been enlarged to eight litres, together with a roll-call of internal upgrades including a Phoenix crankshaft and rockers, Carrillo conrods, a high-lift camshaft, Bill Miller pistons and an AP Racing clutch. 

The result? Outputs of 304PS (223kW) and 745Nm (549lb ft) of torque. With its 3.3:1 final drive ratio, ‘The Other Gun’ is good for a top speed of 120mph. For longer circuits, a 3.0:1 final drive ratio ups its terminal velocity potential by 30mph.

Hydraulic brakes mean “it can stop as well as it goes” according to an Octane magazine feature in 2009, while the steering is faster than that of a 41/2-Litre car.

On completion in 2006, the special embarked upon a short racing campaign, with notable results including fourth and fifth places at Silverstone, Oulton Park and Donington Park. 

The current owner bought ‘The Other Gun’ in 2012, since when it has been used only occasionally and not in competition, and it is being offered for sale in the Bonhams|Cars sale at the 82^nd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport.

The accompanying history file contains old logbooks and a partial factory record, together with an Oldtimertaxatie Valuation Reports from last year that concludes: "The car had a short but successful race career, and it is still in very good overall condition." ‘The Other Gun’ is estimated to sell between £500,000 and £700,000 when it crosses the block in a couple weeks’ time.