Close window
Print details

Bentley Eight

Bentley EightBentley EightBentley EightBentley EightBentley Eight
Bentley EightBentley EightBentley EightBentley Eight
Lot number 3
Hammer value £3,200
Description Bentley Eight
Registration G929 EFX
Year 1990
Colour Green
Engine size 6,750 cc
Chassis No. SCBZE00A5LCH32750
Engine No. 71961L4101/NEL

Rolls-Royce had begun the revival of the Bentley marque as a high performance car with the introduction of the Mulsanne Turbo in 1982. Launched just two years later, the normally aspirated Eight was intended to attract a younger generation of buyers to the newly resurgent marque. Visually distinguished by its racy wire mesh radiator grille – a reference to the stoneguards worn by the W.O. Le Mans cars, although the traditional slatted grill was also available as an option – it proved a more sporting drive than its Mulsanne sibling thanks to specially stiffened front suspension.

Powered by Crewe's iconic 6.75 litre V8 engine mated to three-speed automatic transmission, it was capable of 130mph. Trading picnic tables and maple eye walnut for straight-grain wood veneers and a substantial price cut (£50,000 at launch), the Eight was a conspicuous success and went on to sell 1,736 examples worldwide before production ceased in 1992.

First registered in March 1990, this Eight has had just three owners from new and has been in the current ownership since 2007. It has covered some 155,000 miles with 25 service stamps to date including four new brake discs in 2005 at 134,509 miles. Converted to run on LPG for greater economy, it has an MOT until September 2012 and is said to drive well.

 

Close window
Print details