Lot 010: Bentley Eight

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 and 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 looks particularly sporting in red with a cream hide interior. It has covered around 97,200 miles from new and has a comprehensive service history up to 89,000 miles in June 2008. Said to be in very clean condition for the year it has recently had new front tyres and new rear brake pads. It comes with its original handbooks, rear footrests and lambs wool overmats. Currently taxed and with an MOT until June 2013, the car is in almost daily use and is said to be very reliable and to drive well. Given their vast bulk, these fabulous machines are surprisingly good to drive and a pleasure to be driven it, turning every journey into an occasion. This one looks excellent value at the guide price suggested today.