It's like a hooligan version of a vintage Bentley

With more power, less weight and a shorter chassis, the rare Super Sports proved to be the ultimate expression of Cricklewood's first production car

- MICK WALSH

Today, most cars are capable of topping 100mph, but back in 1925 'the ton' was a spectacular speed that very few had experienced. Any road car with this kind of performance potential was a sensation, none more so than the rare Bentley Super Sports, the first model given the iconic green-winged 'B' badge. Just 18 of this high-performance, short-chassis machines were built between 1925 and '27, and each came with a factory guarantee of 100mph. Lighter, shorter, more powerful and faster than any other 3 Litre, its performance came at the exclusive price of £1050-compared to £925 for the Speed Model. This chassis-only deal then required further outlay for a body by your preferred coachbuilder.

With a 9ft wheelbase, 9½in shorter than the Speed Model, this more trim 22½cwt (1143kg) machine shaved off 25kg and was instantly recognisable to enthusiasts in 1925 due to its more compressed profile. Also enhancing the Super Sports' style were a tapered radiator and scuttle to reduce wind resistance.

Under the bonnet, the final development of WO Bentley's handsome overhead-cam, twin-plug 'four' was tuned with a lightened flywheel, increased 6.3:1 compression, drilled valve spring caps, lighter 'hourglass' pistons and twin SU Type G5 'Sloper' carburettors. With a 15/53 axle ratio, the chassis was driven down from the Cricklewood works to Brooklands in exposed form for its 100mph test prior to delivery.