1924 | Bentley 3 Litre

H.J. Mulliner original bodywork

Report by Dr Clare Hay

Documented history

Our 3 Litre Bentley with rare H. J. Mulliner ‘Simplex’ bodywork was delivered new via the London Bentley dealer Gaffkin Wilson. It was first registered by its initial owner, Francis William Rhosed of Dalham Hall, in Newmarket on 1st November 1924.

In the early years, it was sold on several times in the Greater London area. From August 1933 it was in Ireland. A replacement engine and gearbox were installed there.

The bodywork was also modernised somewhat in the 1930s. Typically at this time, the “dickey” was removed and replaced with a proper rear seat. The soft top and the windscreen were also slightly modified at this time.

After the usual gap in history during the Second World War, the Bentley reappeared in Suffolk County from 1952.

From 1962, it spent some time in the USA, then returned to England in 1980 and was restored there in the 1980s. The work included a complete overhaul of the engine, replacement of defective wooden parts on the body frame and repainting.

Major maintenance work was carried out on ‘Sargeants of Goudhurst’ in 2002 and 2003. Later invoices include details of new white metal bearings from Formhall and a crack check of the connecting rods before the engine was reassembled by Stuart Fearnside in 2008.

The car is very well documented overall and also has fantastic original details in the interior, such as the H.J. Mulliner door sills, the Smith instruments and switchboard.

In 2019, the Bentley changed hands to German ownership. Over € 27,000 was invested here in 2019 and 2020. This work included the brake system, ignition, seals and technical requirements for registration in Germany.

The last service was in October 2024, the Bentley has a MOT until September 2026 and can be driven immediately.

As one of the relatively few Cricklewood Bentleys to have retained its original bodywork, ‘CF 5654’ is a rarity and will continue to be one of the most sought-after examples of the series in the future.