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Jakarta –

The car which was used for the first time in the 24 Hours of Le Mans sold for 3 million euros, the equivalent of Rp. 48 billion.

Quoted from Eurekar, Tuesday (30/5/2023), this Bentley 3 car with chassis 141 was one of those that took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race which was first held in 1923 either exactly 100 years ago on the circuit of Le Mans, France.

At that time, the car was driven by Canadian war veteran John Duff and amateur racer Frank Clement. Duff is known as a veteran as well as a Canadian adventurer. Before racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, he was also known for his passion for racing.

Until finally Duff asks Walter Owen Bentley (founder of the Bentley automobile company) to prepare a car when he learns that the first race of the 24 hours of Le Mans will take place in Le Mans, France.

Although Bentley thought it was a crazy idea, he agreed to lend his car with chassis 141 to Duff and offered his partner Frank Clement to race with him. Finally, Duff and Frank Clement raced at the Le Mans 24 event for the first time.

Even if their first results were quite disappointing, in 1923 (the 24th Le Mans event took place) they only finished in 4th place, but after 4 years of waiting in 1927-1930, they finally found the momentum to win. and dominate the race.

When finished being used to race at Le Mans 24, the car’s Bentley 141 chassis disappeared. Until the 1980s, the car reappeared when Donington Motor Museum owner Tom Wheatcroft received a call from a woman offering Bentley’s chassis 141 car.

Eventually, Wheatcroft accepted the offer and bought it to keep in his museum. At this time, Wheatcroft did not know the car’s history until an automotive journalist came along and said the car was a Bentley with chassis 141.

Over time the car was resold until it finally reached Simon Kidston before being bought by an unidentified British collector for 3 million euros or the equivalent of Rp.48 billion.

Also watch the video: Rins at Le Mans: fall, get up, then fall again

(fdl/fdl)