1932 Bentley 8-Litre

Bentley produced one hundred examples of its 8 Litre model from 1930 to 1932 in its Cricklewood, London facility, with most examples receiving either a 144 or 156-inch wheelbase platform. Announced on September 15th of 1930 and introduced at the London Olympia Motor Show a year later, its low production figures are often attributed to its high price tag during the worldwide Great Depression. Compounded by extensive development costs, the 8 Litre helped quicken the company's demise.

The Great Depression robbed wealthy individuals of their ability to buy the magnificent 8 Litre Bentley. The ever-shrinking population of capable buyers who were able to afford the 8 Litre received a fast, impressive, and formidable automobile. Although it was bred from the successful Speed Six racing model, it was not intended for competition on the track. With this large and powerful model, W.O. Bentley hoped to dethrone Rolls-Royce from its perch atop the luxury motor car pedestal. Capable of exceeding 100 mph with heavy limousine coachwork and eight passengers inside (Bentley claimed a top speed of 125 mph depending on coachwork), The Sphere of 1931 described the new 8-Litre model as 'one of the finest examples of British Automobile Engineering that has ever been produced.' It was even capable of outperforming the supercharged Mercedes of that time on both acceleration and top speed.

Built only as a bare chassis and priced from £1,850, the Eight Litre was more costly than its direct competitor, the Rolls-Royce Phantom II.

Bentley went bust in 1931 and soon entered the proposed new ownership of Napiers, of Acton, London. During the receiver's sale of Bentley's assets in the Royal Courts of Justice in London's Strand, a barrister representing the British Central Equitable Trust made a counteroffer. Napier and the B.C.E.T. then submitted sealed bids, with the latter having the winning figure. W.O. later commented that, 'I don't know by how much precisely Napier were out-bidded, but the margin was very small, a matter of a few hundred pounds. All I knew that evening was that the deal would not be going through after all.'

After the court case, it was learned that the B.C.E.T. was representing Rolls-Royce, who had successfully acquired all of Bentley's assets, including the design of the 8-Litre. The first model from Bentley following the Rolls-Royce acquisition was the 3.5 Litre Bentley based on the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20/20hp. The 8 Litre model was never produced again.

8 Litre Engine and Transmission

At its heart was the 8-litre engine, a development of the immensely successful 6.5-litre powerplant that earned Bentley an exceptional reputation on the racetrack. The 8-litre unit had an Elektron crankcase and sump, a one-piece iron block, aluminum alloy pistons, and a non-detachable cylinder head. The overhead camshaft was driven by Bentley's patented 'three-throw drive' system consisting of three connecting rods. The cylinder bore measured 4.3 inches (110 mm) and its stroke of 5.5 inches (140 mm), resulting in the 7,983cc (487.2 cubic inches / 8 liters) displacement size.

The four-speed gearbox had constant mesh on its third gear, a single-plate dry clutch, and distributed its power to the rear wheels via a hypoid bevel final drive.

Chassis

The ladder frame was reinforced by tubular steel cross-members and suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs controlled by double-acting dampers (Bentley & Draper friction dampers up front with hydraulic dampers to the rear). The front had a solid axle, and the rear had a live axle. Stopping power was provided by Dewandre vacuum-servo-assisted 15.7-inch (400 mm) drum brakes on all four wheels. The steering was by worm and sector with an adjustable castor action. The chassis utilized a sophisticated 'one shot' Tecalemit lubrication system.

Coachwork

The Eight Litre was given a wide array of body styles by the era's finest custom coachbuilders, including Gurney Nutting, H.J. Mulliner, Lancefield, Harrison, Barker, and Vanden Plas.

by Dan Vaughan

Short Wheelbase Fixed Head Coupe by Mayfair Carriage Company Ltd.
Chassis number: YX5124
Engine number: YX5125

This 1932 Bentley 8-Liter Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupe with coachwork by The Mayfair Carriage Company, Ltd., was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $1,000,000 - $1,300,000. The car is powered by a 7983cc overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine with four-valves per cylinder and dual carburetors, capable of producing 220 horsepower. It has a four-speed manual gearbox with four-wheel servo assisted drum brakes. Its elegant coachwork rests atop a 144-inch wheelbase and carries chassis number YX 5124.

This two-door Fixed Head Coupe is one of the few 8-Liter Bentley's to be given a sporty persona. It is the second to last 8-Liter constructed, meaning it is one of the last Bentley's to be built before the company was acquired by Rolls-Royce.

The vehicles first owner was Mr. C. G. Hayward. Mr. H.J. Thomas, the Director of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, was the vehicles second owner. While in his care, the 21-inch wheels were removed and replaced with 19-inch wheels. Also, the fenders and running board were modified to accommodate tool boxes. From 1940 through 1948, the car was not driven and taken off the road.

The car passed through a few more owners throughout the years. In the late 1950s it was owned by Captain G.C. Blundell, a British Naval war hero. It remained in his possession for over twenty years.

In the mid-1980s, the car was treated to a complete, ground-up restoration and brought back to its original configuration and glory.

Since that time, the car has graced many concours and automotive events, often leaving with many prestigious awards. At the 1985 Kensington Garden Concours it was awarded the 'Best Vintage Bentley.'

From new, the car has traveled over 250,000 miles, though its mechanical components have been rebuilt. Since the restoration was performed in the 1980s, it is no longer a 100-point restoration car. It does have some signs of wear, though it is still mechanically and cosmetically impressive.

At auction, the vehicle did find a new owner, but sold for slightly less than the estimated value. This 8-Liter Bentley nearly topped the one-million dollar mark, selling for $962,500.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon by Arthur Mulliner
Chassis number: YX 5105
Engine number: YX 5105

When World War I came to a close, W.O. Bentley began work on designing a new engine. With the help of F.T. Burgess from Humber and Harry Varley from Vauxhaull, the work was complete and all the parts were manufactured by September of 1919. Nobby Clarke, chief mechanic of one of the R.N.A.S. squadrons was hired to assemble the first car engine. The long-stroke four-cylinder engine displaced 2,996 cubic-centimeters and offered maximum power at just 3,500 RPM. A mock-up chassis was made ready for the Olympia Motor Show in London.

The new Bentley was a well-designed vehicle that also achieved incredible success for many years in motor racing, including victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours four times in a row during the 1920s. Bentley's drivers included Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin, Jack Barclay, Glen Kidston, and George Duller. These individuals would become known as the 'Bentley Boys.'

The first customer's 3-litre was delivered in August of 192. Bentley would go on to produce models of 4.5-litres, 6.5-litres and, finally, between 1930 and 1931, the 8-Litre. The 8-Liter version was basically an enlarged version of the Speed Six. They had a newer and lower chassis with out-set rear springs and an F-Series gearbox. This layout allowed for larger bearings, which provided extra strength and reduced engine noise.

The first 8-Liter Bentley's made their appearance at the Olympia Motor Show in October of 1930. With the large engine, these mighty vehicles were capable of carrying heavy and elegant coachwork to speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Unfortunately, Bentley ran into deep financial trouble and by 1931, the company effectively ended. Bentley's assets were sold to the British Central Equitable Trust which was representing Rolls-Royce.

This 8-Liter chassis is XY 5105 and was dispatched to its first owner, Major C. Cooper, in April of 1932. It is a long-wheelbase saloon with a chassis that measures 13 feet. The car is clothed in aluminum and wears coachwork by Arthur Mulliner. It was in the United Kingdom until 1999, reportedly spending the last 35 years of that time in storage.

The car made its way to a collection in Florida. The new owner commissioned a repaint. It would remain in the collection until being acquired by its current owner in 2006. The new owner had the car sent to Robert Aubrey, of Custom Classic of Aubrey in Lancaster, California. There, the body was removed from the rolling chassis, stripped to bare metal, and fully refinished with several layers of black paint. The leather top was replaced and over 400 individual pieces of chrome were sent to be re-plated. Every piece of glass was replaced, as were all the corresponding gaskets and seals. The leather interior was refinished in biscuit hides, with complementing deep black carpeting and headliner.

The chassis was sent to Rick Hamlin, of Rick's Auto Restoration in Wellington, Kansas. All mechanical aspects of the car were rebuilt by Hamlin, including the suspension, engine, and transmission, and all bearings and worn out items were replaced.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer by Vanden Plas
Chassis number: YX5118
Engine number: YX5118

This Bentley Tourer is the eighth from the last 8-Litre built, and one of just 35 on the 12-foot 'Short Chassis.' The car was built late in the production run, and remained at the Bentley Works, finished except for its coachwork, when Bentley Motors entered receivership on July 11th of 1931. The company was renamed Bentley Motors Ltd., and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce.

The few unsold, complete, unbodied chassis were subsequently sold to London Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealers Jack Barclay and Jack Olding.

This particular example was ordered by Sir Everard Talbot Scarisbrick, 2nd Baronet and 30th Lord of Scarisbrick in Lancashire. It was given a four-passenger tourer body by the London coachbuilders Mayfair. It was delivered to the Baronet in May of 1932. In July of 1932, a Jaeger speedometer and rev counter were installed, followed in February of 1934 by a higher-ratio 15/53 crown wheel and pinion, and three SU fuel pumps in place of the original Autovac.

The next owner was J.C. Babcock of London, in whose ownership it was maintained for over 30 years. While in his care, the engine and chassis were overhauled in 1936 and the rear axle with replaced with a special high-ratio 16/53 type.

In 1938, Mr. Babcock approached coachbuilders Vanden Plas of London to re-body his Bentley. The result was a Tourer body with cut-down driver's side door, and low-slung waistline. The only other car of this era that was given Vanden Plas coachwork was Vivian Hewitt's famous YX5119, which is considered the most valuable 8-Liter. It was built immediately following this one.

Mr. Babcock entered this car in the 1949 Bentley Drivers' Club Kensington Gardens Concours.

After 30 years of ownership, Mr. Babcock sold his Bentley in 1967 to L.R. Beakbane, who retained it for just one year. It was then sold in 1968 to Hans Dieter Holterbosch, the American importer of Löwenbrau beer. The car was restored in the United Kingdom by Don McKenzie, with the body re-finished and re-trimmed by Hooper & Company in Westminster, then returned to the United States and into the Holterbosch stable. There it remained, mostly unseen, for the next 45 years.

The current caretaker acquired the car several years ago and sympathetically returned it to running order.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer by Vanden Plas
Chassis number: YX5111
Engine number: YX5113

Debuted at the 1930 London Motor Show, the first 8 Litre Bentley was the largest-engined car available in the United Kingdom at that time. The bare chassis alone cost £1850, which put it in direct competition with the Rolls-Royce Phantom II. The 8 Litre engine offered better performance, though, and Bentley's advertising claimed the car would do '100 mph without noise.' W.O. Bentley was quoted as saying 'I have wanted to produce a dead silent 100 mph car, and now I think we have done it.'

This example is one of the few short-chassis 8 Litres bodied by Vanden Plas of London. It was originally delivered in May 1932 to Miss H.G. Dobbs, who became a frequent visitor to the Brooklands circuit near London. In 1934, the car was acquired by Mr. A. Gardner, who in turn sold it to Edward Nugent Head in February 1937 for £425. In 1946 the car was purchased by Major Hartley W. Whyte and remained in his family for nearly 30 years. After changing hands a few more times, the 8 Litre was restored by P & A Wood in 2012.

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: YX5110
Engine number: YX5110

The Eight Litre was the final motorcar engineered and developed under company founder W.O. Bentley. Along with power, the engine was silent and smooth, capable of accelerating from walking speed to 100 mph in top gear. The potent 7,983cc SOHC inline six-cylinder engine had three SU carburetors and produced 220 horsepower at 3,300 RPM. Just 100 examples were built in 1930 and 1931, and offered with wheelbase lengths of 144- and 156-inches. A wide array of body styles were created by the era's finest custom coachbuilders.

This particular example was given the 156-inch wheelbase platform and close-coupled Sports Saloon coachwork by H.J. Mulliner. It is one of the final 25 examples produced, meaning it received the most evolved specification, including a stronger crankcase, a Mintex crankshaft damper, and a higher compression ratio.

The car was delivered in June 1932 by the Jack Barclay dealership to H.W. Reginald Room of Bromley, Kent, for whom it was registered as GY 3903. Mr. Room sold it in 1940 to H.W. Poultney, also of Bromley, who used it on special occasions. In 1961, he disassembled it for a planned restoration, but the work was not undertaken in his lifetime. The Poultney heirs sold the 8-Litre in May 1969 to Keith Holland. Peter Agg purchased the unrestored vehicle (and its components) in September 1970. Mr. Agg commissioned his own staff at Lambretta Concessionaires to restore the Bentley.

After the restoration was completed, the Bentley was shown at the Bentley Drivers Club and other meetings throughout the United Kingdom. It won its class twice at the annual BDC concours at Kensington Gardens.

J.D. 'Jimmy' Metcalf purchased the Bentley from Mr. Agg in 1979 and kept it for the next 28 years. During this time, the car was kept in fine standard, including an engine overhaul in 1988 and the gearbox, brakes, and wheels rebuilt in 1994.

In 2004, the car was exhibited at Techno Classica Essen.

In 2007, the Bentley 8 Litre was sold to Jonathan Turner, who in turn passed it to a German enthusiast in 2010. It received a professional refinishing in its current green and black livery before entering the care of its current owner.

by Dan Vaughan

The 8-Liter Bentley was introduced at the 1930 London Motor Show. It featured an 8-liter engine which was a development of Bentley's race-winning 6.5-liter unit. The main purpose of this model was to add competition in the luxury car segment and challenge the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The power-plant was an engineering marvel, fitted with an Elektron crankcase and sump. The engine was a single iron block and cylinder head with four-valves per cylinder. It had an twin-spark ignition, a bore of 110 mm and a stroke of 140 mm. The straight-six engine carried chassis with wheelbases of 144 inches or 156 inches. The 156-inch wheelbase was the largest car produced in the UK up to that point in history. It could carry the large and luxurious bodies to speeds of 100 mph. To keep the weight of the vehicle to a minimum, many of the bodies and mechanical components were formed from aluminum. An overall weight of about 3700 pounds was typical for the chassis alone. A completed vehicle often tipped the scale at over 2.5 tons.

Four-wheel servo-assisted brakes helped keep the vehicle in the drivers control. There was a four-speed manual gearbox with a single-plate dry clutch and semi-elliptical springs on all four corners.

The launch of the Bentley 8-Liter coincided with the onset of the Great Depression. As a result, the small pool of wealthy individuals who could afford one of these machines, dwindled. Competition between marques became even more fierce, as prices dropped and more amenities and accessories were offered in an attempt to lure buyers. This model was financially devastating to Bentley. Bentley's principal backer at the time, Woolf Barnato, was enduring financial difficulty during this sad time in history. As a result, he severed his financial support with Bentley.

Production of the 8-Liter Bentley reached 100 units before production ceased. Rolls-Royce took the opportunity to rescue the struggling company and brought it under its financial protection. This move by Rolls-Royce, also ensured that the marque would never again offer competition to its luxury brand. The Bentley line was modified and acted as the entry-level cars in the luxury department.

Most of the Bentley 8-Liter cars were given limousine or four-door saloon coachwork. A few were outfitted with sporty coachwork. Most were in closed configuration with fewer than 25% outfitted with open bodies. The list of coachbuilders included Vanden Plas, Kellner, Thrupp and Maberly, Arthur Mulliner, Gurney Nutting, Park Ward, Freestone & Webb, Letourner et Marchand, Binder and Walter J. Murphy.

by Dan Vaughan