The Bentley EXP2 stands as a remarkable piece of automotive history, holding the title of the oldest surviving Bentley and the second ever made. This pioneering vehicle also boasts the distinction of being the first Bentley to secure a race victory. As an experimental model—designated with the prefix ‘EXP’—the EXP2 played a significant role in the development of the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre before transitioning into private ownership. It was acquired by the Bentley Heritage Collection more than 25 years ago and remains a testament to Bentley’s early innovation and racing prowess.
The Bentley 3 Litre
Announced in March 1919 by The Autocar, the Bentley 3 Litre was designed by Captain W.O. Bentley MBE, RAF, as a sporty yet practical vehicle. Drawing on Bentley’s pre-war competition experience, the 3 Litre featured groundbreaking engineering, including aluminium pistons, a 3 Litre monobloc engine with four valves per cylinder, twin spark plugs, and twin magnetos. This advanced specification was reflected in its 1923 price of £425. True to Bentley’s tradition, the 3 Litre delivered substantial torque, durability, and high performance, setting a benchmark for future models.
The EXP Prototypes
Bentley developed three prototypes for the 3 Litre model. EXP1, the first prototype, was built in October 1919 but was later dismantled for parts. EXP2, constructed at Bentley’s new Cricklewood works, debuted at the 1919 Olympia Motor Show with a plain two-seat body, though it was initially a static display due to delayed engine components. In March 1921, EXP2 was rebodied by coachbuilders JH Easter and subsequently fitted with various engines. By August 1922, it was equipped with production engine 144 and underwent a complete rebuild in the 1990s, restoring it to its original 1921 race-winning specification.
Racing Pedigree
EXP2 made its mark as Bentley’s first ‘works’ racing car in the 1921 Essex Car Club and Whitsun meetings at Brooklands, where driver Frank Clement triumphed in the Junior Sprint Handicap. The car was also used by W.O. Bentley for practice at the 1922 Isle of Man TT. By the time it was sold to lorry manufacturer J.E. Foden in 1923, EXP2 had achieved an impressive record of eleven first and seven second places.
Specifications
- Date Produced: 1919
- Chassis/Engine No.: EXP2, engine no. 144
- Body: Tourer; two doors, four seats. Chassis weight 658 kg; 1,200 kg with Easter body
- Engine: 2996cc four-cylinder; four valves; twin spark plugs; hollow overhead camshaft; aluminium crankcase, cast-iron non-detachable cylinder head
- Power: 70 bhp @ 3,500 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed
- Chassis: 35 tonne pressed steel channel section frame, 4 riveted forged cross-members and 2 tie bars; half elliptic leaf spring suspension. Brakes: 15.75 in (40 cm) drums at rear
- Dimensions: Wheelbase: 112 in (284.5 cm); track 56 in (142.2 cm)
- Performance: Top speed 79.3 mph (127.3 km/h)
The Bentley EXP2 remains a cornerstone of automotive history, symbolizing the innovative spirit and competitive edge that defined Bentley’s early years.
Source: Bentley
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