The first Bentley to race at Le Mans sells for three million pounds, of books! The year of the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the first Bentley to compete on this circuit, which was also the first international participation, was auctioned with a result of more than three million pounds to close the auction. . Its history dates back to the 1920s, when a Canadian veteran of the First World War took the wheel.

Its history dates back to 1923, when Canadian World War I veteran John Duff and Bentley test driver Frank Clement got behind the wheel of a 3-liter-powered Bentley. Despite a fuel tank leak caused by rocks from the unpaved track, the Bentley finished fourth overall. A good result for his first participation.

The model was sold to a British enthusiast from Kidston SA. The latter is a brokerage firm run by Simon Kidston. This is the nephew of ‘Bentley Boy’ Glen Kidston, driver who drove the last Bentley, along with other drivers, to win at Le Mans. A moment of happiness before the brand ran into financial difficulties.

“This week, the world’s most famous motor race celebrates its 100th anniversary, and its pioneering early competitors remain as intriguing as ever. This Bentley isn’t just a collector’s car, it’s a inflection point in motorsport history and a cornerstone of the Bentley legend. And personally, having inherited a family passion for automobiles that was fueled by my “Bentley Boy” uncle, helping bring this Bentley home is truly satisfying. He’s not going to lead a quiet life: he’ll line up on the grid for the Le Mans 100th anniversary race for vintage cars next month. I hope their original pilots look down and smile,” said Simon Kidston.

After its sporting life, we never heard of the first Le Mans Bentley. In the 1940s, the model carried out other tasks away from the world of competition. It was forgotten again, until the model was discovered in a village barn in Leicestershire in the 1980s. owned by a 97 year old lady. It has since undergone a complete restoration.