A rust-bucket sports car that was left to rot in a barn for 60 years has been discovered… and it’s worth almost £100,000.
A Bentley Red Label ‘Speed’ tourer from 1926 has resurfaced covered in rust and dirt, complete with flat tyres and parts hanging off of it.
But despite its dilapidated appearance, the vintage motor commands a hefty price – as it is believed to be the last unrestored example of its type left in the world.
The 3.0-litre motor was built by Bentley specifically for racing, with similar models once dominating the famous Le Mans 24 Hour races throughout the 1920s.
The four seater open-top car’s body was made by the famous coachbuilders Vanden Plas, and this example was delivered new to its original owner all the way back in 1926.
It was then acquired by a family in the 1940s and competed in hill climb competitions in the 1950s – before being stored away in a barn from 1963.
That’s where it remained until it was picked up by the current vendor in 2021 – some 58 years later.
It is now for sale courtesy of the Historics Auctioneers of Iver, Bucks, with a pre-sale estimate of between £75,000 and £95,000.
It’s estimated that whoever buys it will probably have to spend £100,000 on its restoration – but it could then be worth over £300,000.
The car still has its original engine numbered LM1334 along with a unique Le Mans-style fuel tank and racing exhaust.
Fraser Smith of Historics, said: “It’s such a pleasure to bring to sale this hugely historical car.
“Barn find restorations always attract great interest from potential buyers but this is truly exceptional.
“It’s so rare to find such a remarkably complete Vanden Plas-bodied 1926 Bentley 3-litre Red Label ‘Speed’ model that’s requiring complete restoration.
“As is to be expected, we have received significant pre-auction interest from potential future custodians of this wonderful car.
“When fully restored, it is to be expected that models of this nature will be worth in excess of £300,000.”
