Bentley B Special Speed 8, 1949
Bentley Eight
Bentley Eight•
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Chassis No.: B337DZ
Auction: Larry's Legacy 2025
Auction date: September 21, 2025
Lot No.: S224
$280,500 | Sold
- Odometer: 17,869 miles
- Engine: Inline 8-cylinder
- Transmission: Manual
- Exterior: British Racing Green
- Interior: Green
- Body: Touring
- Built by Racing Green Engineering Limited of Carmarthenshire, Wales in 2011
- Honors the Bentley racing cars that scored four consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1927-1930
- Construction and design mimics the original Le Mans racing cars
- Original 1949 Bentley Mark VI chassis
- Period 6516cc B81 Inline 8-cylinder engine
- Bentley 4-speed manual transmission
- British Racing Green exterior
- Green Connolly leather interior
- Constructed with an ash frame covered with aluminum panels and fabric
- Engine-turned aluminum instrument panel
- Reproduction factory-style instruments
- Correct fold-flat windscreen and wind deflectors
- 4-wheel drum brakes
Of the many chapters in the first century of competition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most fascinating is undoubtedly Bentley’s five-victory streak there, beginning in 1924 and followed by four consecutive wins from 1927 to 1930. The Speed Six closed out those glorious years in 1929 and 1930, with the model name etched into the minds of racing fans worldwide ever since the famed “Bentley Boys” raced for marque founder W.O. Bentley.
Built in 2011 by Racing Green Engineering Limited of Carmarthenshire, Wales, this highly engaging vehicle pays tribute to the Bentley racing cars that took four consecutive wins at Le Mans in 1927-1930, and more specifically, the 6.5L Speed Six Bentley racing cars that took back-to-back wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. Featuring design and construction mimicking the heroic original Bentley racing cars of Le Mans fame, it is based upon an original 1949 Bentley Mark VI chassis, with power delivered by a period 6516cc B81 inline 8-cylinder engine paired with a Bentley 4-speed manual transmission. Stopping is delivered by 4-wheel drum brakes.
Finished in British Racing Green with the cockpit trimmed in green Connolly leather upholstery and fitted with woven carpets, the Bentley features lightweight Vanden Plas-style bodywork constructed with an ash frame covered with aluminum panels and fabric. Other authentic highlights include the engine-turned aluminum instrument panel, reproduction factory-style instruments, correct fold-flat windscreen and wind deflectors. Other choice features include Lucas headlamps with stone guards and E2 fog lamps, dual electric horns, cowl lights, leather hood-retaining straps and wire wheels, including a side-mounted spare.
Professionally built, this Bentley B Special Speed 8 will surely conjure vivid images of the famed “Bentley Boys” from the marque’s original years of racing dominance.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1151293/1949-bentley-b-special-speed-8/
Cost
1,030,137 AED
