The predecessor of the shown in the picture had two-wheeler brake only rear. It originated from the year 1923. Its chassis was shown already at the London Motor Show in 1919. That Bentley was actually qualified as a railway engineer, was to notice regarding his creations. They are very solid and stable.
And if Ettore Bugatti scolded the Bentleys of that time as 'very fast trucks', then remained unconsidered that the Bentleys e.g. won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times. While the Bugattis won 'only' twice, and that with the really not very attractive 57 C and G tanks. After all, from Bentley's vehicles came the famous Racing Green.
It surprised a little that the first victory at Le Mans was won basically with the vehicle shown here. Sure, the engine was modern by upright shaft, overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder, but which 'race engine' has a bore of 80 mm at a stroke of 149 mm? This can be explained by the really consequent utilization of British Tax legislation.
But for a race engine one would preferably like to swap the two dimensions. Of course, the rated speed should be correspondingly low. The cylinder head fixedly connected to the engine block was good for the long race distance. However, the driving characteristics were really hard to endure. Here for example, the term of 'hard suspension' received a whole new meaning.
Well, there were only four gears available, but the ease of operation was inversely proportional to its durability. After all, the number of displays was impressive for the time and theeffect of friction dampers could even be adjusted from the dashboard. There were dual ignition for reasons of durability and different ways of carburettor equipment, as well as a short or a long chassis. 05/15
