Lot 072: 1950/2006 BENTLEY EIGHT LE MANS EVOCATION

Hand built by the craftsmen at Racing Green Engineering, the 'Le Mans Eight' Tourer is intended to evoke the spirit of the legendary Bentley Speed Six (reputedly W.O. Bentley's favourite creation). Based around a Bentley MKVI chassis, the 'Le Mans Eight' is equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a 'live' leaf-sprung rear axle and four-wheel drum brakes. Fed by four SU carburettors, its modified B81 straight-eight engine is a relation of that found aboard the ultra exclusive Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. Featuring overhead-inlet and side-exhaust valves, this imposing powerplant displaces 6516cc and is allied to four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission. A three-door, four-seater open tourer bodied in aluminium over ash, the 'Le Mans Eight' sports a mixture of British Racing Green paintwork and green leather cloth panelling. Trimmed to match, the model's green leather upholstery is offset by a machine turned aluminium dashboard housing a variety of period looking instruments. Protected from the elements by a double-duck hood and full-length tonneau, the 'Le Mans Eight' rides on painted wire wheels. Taking its chassis and registration number from a 1950 Bentley MKVI, 'LXC 319' emerged from the Racing Green Engineering workshops as a 'Le Mans Eight' in February 2006. Said to have covered just 500 miles since completion, it is variously described by the vendor as being in "new" (engine, electrical equipment, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "recon" (gearbox, chassis) condition. Beautifully detailed, it boasts such niceties as a winged 'B' mascot, embossed footplates, aero screens, rear wing stone guards, twin leather bonnet straps, rear spring gaiters and a quick-release fuel filler cap. PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle also comes fitted with overdrive, black radiator grille with No. "9", passenger grab handle, drivers side mirror, rear number roundel, twin electric fuel pumps with long range 'Le Mans' style fuel tank, hydraulic front drum brakes and mechanical rear drum brakes. It also comes with a buff logbook.