Bentley Eight Liter Sports Tourer, 1932
Bentley Eight
Bentley Eight•
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Chassis No.: YM5036
Engine No.: YM 5036
Estimate: US$800,000 - US$1,000,000 USD
- Coachwork in the Style of Vanden Plas
- Engine no. YM 5036
- 7983cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
- Triple SU HO8 Carburetors
- 220bhp at 3,500rpm
- 4-Speed 'F' Manual Transmission
- 4-Wheel Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension with Solid Front and Live Rear Axle
- 4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
- The final word when referring to High-Speed Pre-War motoring.
- Desirable short chassis example of legendary model
- Prepared by the late Stanley Mann
- Carefully maintained and toured
'W.O.', did nothing in half measure. Almost immediately successful at building racing cars with success at the 1922 Indianapolis 500, to participating in the inaugural race at Lemans in 1924. A race which Bentley would dominate, winning in 1927,1928, 1929, and 1930. In 1919 when WO first put pen to paper designing his 3-liter, it bore striking resemblance to an aero-engine as it was completely dual redundant, two magnetos, twin spark, gear driven overhead cam with 4 valves per cylinder and incredible torque emanating from its under square bore of 80mm and stroke of 149mm.
As the company and its successes grew so did the displacement of the engines on offer. Initially with a growth of the 3-liter to 4½-liters, to a 6½-liter 6 cylinder with the final iteration of the venerable 8-liter. While the 4 cylinder and later 6 cylinder Bentleys were extremely capable as raceabouts with wildly popular Weyman fabric bodies, the call for a more luxurious chassis that could be fitted with all the appointments of luxury that one would require with the speed that was expected of a Bentley became apparent in 1930.
The Eight Liter debuted at the 1930 London Motor Show, it was aimed squarely at the Phantom II, Bugatti Royale and the Hispano-Suiza H6. Upon its release it became the largest displacement car built in England. Early tests by motoring journalists were filled with little but praise. W.O. had overachieved on his goal of "I have wanted to produce a dead silent 100mph car, and now I think we have done it." Many examples with full saloon coachwork were clocked well in excess of 115mph.
The massive chassis frame likewise was entirely new, being of the "double drop" design that enabled overall height to be reduced and the center of gravity lowered, these aims also dictating the use of a hypoid-bevel rear axle. Seven tubular cross members resulted in a much stronger and less flexible frame than hitherto, which was available in a choice of two wheelbases: 12' or 13'. Revised suspension incorporating longer road springs, out-rigged at the rear, together with Bentley & Draper shock absorbers, made for increased smoothness and stability, both vital considerations when designing a large and weighty vehicle capable of three-figure speeds. The Eight Liter's steering and braking systems also featured numerous detail improvements.
However, only 100 examples would be built prior to the company falling into bankruptcy in 1931. Rolls-Royce would step in and "save" Bentley, ceasing production of the Eight Liter and destroying the casting molds while disposing of all spare parts. Rolls-Royce would subjugate Bentley for the next 70 years, completely altering the brands image and goals. Creating the catalyst for enthusiasts the world over to flock to the extremely capable and fabulous 'Vintage Bentleys' even surprising W.O. in his elder years that so many enthusiasts were preserving his legacy.
THE CAR OFFERED
YM5036 was part of the third round of Eight Liters built. Upon completion of testing in May 1932 YM5036 was delivered to a Arthur R.B. Owen with Jack Barclay of London as agent in June of that year. Originally delivered as a 13-foot chassis, wearing open two-seater coachwork by Wylder, it would quickly be sold to Nora Hardy MacCaw in 1933. She was an early enthusiast of the brand and would own in addition to YM5036, SM3916, MS3941 and FS3613.
In the post war period the Bentley would find itself with H.L Good who would begin its first transformation after receiving it in fairly good condition in 1946. Mr. Good would shorten the chassis to its current length of 12' and fit a drophead coupe body by Hotchkiss. Curiously he then would go on to remove the Hotchkiss body, placing it on a Derby Rolls Royce chassis and placing the running gear of the Bentley into storage until its "rediscovery" in 1991. At which time marque specialist Stanley Mann acquired the car and would then go on to build it into the extremely capable tourer it is today. In 2006 it was acquired by a German collector where it would reside until early 2022. In 2022 having come to the States and residing alongside a stable of other incredible sports and touring cars.
The work undertaken by Stanley Mann created a 'tour de force' for use on any manner of Vintage car rallies and events. The body is expertly built and appointed; with the classic three door configuration and dual mounted spares, additionally appointments like the original AM switches that control the dash, allow one to really cast oneself back to the days of the Bentley boys and racing around Paris by dim headlamp. The engine is very lively and it has excellent oil pressure. During cataloguing, the car was taken on an enjoyable test drive, in summer heat, and performed beautifully. The engine pulls well, and the gearbox is lovely and shifts with ease.
Brakes are also very well set up and stop the car dead straight with no jerking or pulling. The chassis also handles road surfaces extremely well, and the steering is very responsive but still light. With its almost modern performance capabilities this Bentley would find itself at home and enjoyable to anyone with a passion for the Automobile.
