1930 Bentley Eight-Litre saloon
Concours of Elegance, Hampton Court, September 2019

1930 Bentley 8-Litre
Concours Of Elegance - 6 Septembre 2019

Photographs were taken at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 2019

Zoute Grand Prix, October 2016
Knokke - Belgium

Classic Bentley 8-litre stars in 2,000 km China Rally
A classic 1930 Bentley 8-Litre completed the seven-day long 2012 China Rally of International Classic Cars in Shanghai today. Renowned Chinese racer Ms Rose Tan joined Richard Charlesworth, Bentley Motors’ Director of Royal and VIP Relations and skillful technician Frank Meakin to take turns behind the wheel of the iconic model. With masterful driving technique amidst fierce competition, the three drivers successfully brought the 8-Litre home in third position. Meanwhile, two privately owned Bentley vintage models, a 3-Litre and 4½-Litre, also took part in the endurance Rally.

This year’s China Rally saw 34 classic cars from around the globe competing in the 2,000 km race, starting from Beijing and crossing the cities of Tianjin, Jinan, Xuzhou, Hefei, Nanjing, Hangzhou before finishing in Shanghai. More than a racing event, China Rally allows competitors and audiences across the country to witness the pinnacle of Bentley’s racing heritage against the numerous cultural and natural heritage sites along its path, from the Stone Courtyard to Mount Taishan and across the Yellow and Yangtze rivers.

Following the rally, Ms. Rose Tan, the 8-Litre’s first officially authorised female driver, said: "Although the car dates from 1930, it was incredibly adaptable to the uneven roads along the way. More impressive yet was the stability of the chassis in the corners, and the amazing levels of comfort for such an historic car. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and will miss driving such a special car."

As Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, Richard Charlesworth was the perfect co-pilot for Ms Tan. Mr Charlesworth comments: "The 8 Litre is W.O Bentley’s masterpiece, and was also the most luxurious car of its time. By taking part in this rally, we hope to offer Chinese consumers an opportunity to better understand Bentley’s brand values and history."

As a road-going model, the 8-Litre which performed so strongly on the China Rally was originally not designed for racing, unlike its contemporary models, the 3-Litre, 4½-Litre and 6½-Litre Speed Six. Produced in the 1920s, the three models competed in a range of racing events including Bentley’s famous successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1924 to 1930.

Managing Director of Bentley Motors Greater China Mr. Till Scheer comments: "Ever since the company’s inception, Bentley has always strived to achieve the perfect combination of luxury quality, outstanding performance and driving enjoyment. More than 80 years after its production, the 8-Litre has given an outstanding performance and proved that it has survived the test of time. It is truly a testimony to Bentley’s positioning as a super luxury car brand."

Today, racing remains an important part of Bentley’s DNA. With the unveiling of the Continental GT3 Concept race car at the Paris Auto Salon last month, Bentley has made clear its intent to return to the race track in the near future.

Bentley 8-Litre
Produced in 1930, the 8-Litre could reach 100 mph (161km/h) regardless of the coachwork, demonstrating the extreme potency of the engine. 100 cars were built, and W.O. Bentley himself used the second car built as his personal transport for two years from October 1930. In 2006, this very car was acquired by Bentley Motors and expertly restored to pristine condition. In 2009 it appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance alongside the new Bentley Mulsanne, with 79 years between the two Bentley flagships.

Le Mans, France — "I am thundering down a leafy French country road with the morning sun breaking through. If it wasn't for the brand-new Mulsanne sedan directly ahead of me, it would be easy to mentally wind back the years to the 1930s when W.O. Bentley drove this very car.

Chassis No. YF5002 — With its H.J. Mulliner sports saloon body in the Weymann style — has pride of place in Bentley's Heritage Collection since it was purchased in 2007. Since then, under the personal guidance of the then-chairman and CEO, Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen, it has undergone a two-year conservation program. 'It's meant to be used,' explains Richard Charlesworth, head of Bentley's Heritage Collection, 'so it still has the original leather on the seatbacks and even the stuffing'."

Pebble Beach, 2009

Motor Sport, Nov 1953, car offered for sale, by O. Batten. Described as: "Holder, Firle Hill-Climb saloon record." (There is an article on this car in Motor Sport, February 1950.)

"Personal Car - This, the second 8-litre made, was for a long time the personal car of W. O. Bentley. It is now owned by O. A. Batten." — From the article 'The 8-litre Bentley' by Nobby Clark

 

"YF5002 bears H.J. Mulliner panelled Weymann saloon bodywork on the shorter (12ft. wheelbase) chassis. It served as W. O. Bentley's personal car, and is seen here in the rain at Cricklewood. Note sliding door windows." — From the article 'The 8 Litre Bentley: Phantom II Rival?' Ted Reich, RROC past President, forwarded copies of many original Company memos which he found in the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archives in England. He provided photos from his personal archive, several of which are from the period and taken by Charles Bowers, one of the best known original photographers.

Stills from 1996 documentary, 'Top Marques'

1930: Effortless high speed travel was provided by the massive 8 litre Bentley shown here with typical saloon coachwork. This was W.O. Bentley's own car. Chassis price was £1,850 and the maximum speed was in excess of 100mph.