This is a 1929 car with the late pattern chassis.
This is the car prepared by the works for Eddie Hall to race at the 1930 Ards TT. Eddie Hall was a colourful character whose name pops up in all things to do with Bentley and racing!


An exceptionally interesting Vintage Bentley with genuine contemporary competition history. It was also raced at Brooklands and Shelsley Walsh.

The Ulster TT, driven over the demanding Ards road circuit in Northern Ireland, was among the most prestigious and fiercely contested motor races of the period. The circuit, comprising fast public roads, narrow corners, and long straights, provided a formidable test for both driver and machine.

Competing in the 1930 event Hall drove to 12 place overall and second in class. There are some wonderful photos of him in the race including one leading Achille Varzi driving an Alfa Romeo.

The factory service record on the car is fascinating. It records the original specification as a “Le Mans” model with a stoneguard to the tank, duplex petrol and air pipes, Autovac and pressure feed, Newton hydraulic shock absorbers, rev counter, floorboard brake adjuster, copper tail pipe, Simms magnetos, cam action filler cap to petrol tank, dual operated rear brake shoes, ribbed brake drums. Other items are recorded, such as Bentley and Draper shocks fitted in April 1930. In July 1930 the service sheet notes the car was “prepared for Ulster”. (The race was on 23rd August 1930).

In June 1931 Bentley had Wylder of Kew fit a new “racing type” body. It is believed the original Le Mans type body was retained by the factory and later fitted to the “experimental” 8 Litre by H.M. Bentley Ltd., the company, run by W.O. Bentley's brother, that took over the sales of Bentley motor cars after the original company was wound up in 1931.That car still exists today.

The current body is very close to the original “Le Mans” style body and was built during the restoration of the car by Elmdown Engineering. Elmdown was Gordon Russell’s company, and he owned the car at the time. He purchased the car in the 1990's from the sixth owner, A.R.N. Shuckburgh who had owned the car since 1945. The rebuild was to the highest standards.

Importantly the car retains its original correctly stamped chassis and engine, and all major components. It retains its original D type gearbox.

The Bentley 4.5 Litre is widely regarded as one of the finest British sporting cars from the Vintage era, renowned for its exceptional strength, performance and endurance.The wide network of specialist engineers who look after the cars adds to their appeal.

With the Works supported Ulster Tourist Trophy history,DS3556 represents a very rare opportunity to purchase a real factory prepared “Le Mans”.