The first and most famous 4½ Litre Bentley, chassis number ST3001, was registered YH 3196 and prepared in time for the 1927 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The new and more powerful engine, the same bore and stroke as the existing 6 ½ Litre but with 2 less cylinders, combined with the 3 Litre chassis, instantly showed its attributes on this demanding circuit. Its debut was cut in dramatic circumstances at the well documented "White House Corner" incident at 9.30 in the evening when driver Leslie Callingham swerved to avoid a car which was sideways across the track. ST3001 rolled into a ditch, Callingham survived a flight into a hedge and the two 3 Litre Bentley team cars ploughed into the wreckage.
ST 3001, christened "Old Mother Gun" by the works, took victory at Le mans the following year and 2nd place in 1929.
Old Mother Gun, as with any racing car, underwent many changes and has been re-constructed based on its original specification incorporating the original axles to replicate in exacting detail its form as entered in the 1927 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Driving splendidly and bristling with beautifully detailed features as used in 1927.
