1991 Bentley Eight

Lot details
Registration No: G598YTA
Chassis No: SCBZE00R1LCH31773
Mot Expiry: April 2012

OFFERED FOR SALE WITHOUT RESERVE

Introduced in 1984 and based on the luxurious Mulsanne, the Bentley Eight was aimed at a younger more entrepreneurial buyer. The sporting pretensions inspired by its Le Mans-esque mesh grille were supported by stiffer front suspension and sharper steering, endowing the model with tauter handling. Bosch Fuel injection and ABS brakes became standard in 1986, while power memory seats and leather upholstery were added the following year. Catalytic converters became optional in 1990 and the automatic gearbox was changed from three speeds to four in 1992. Power was provided by Bentley's ubiquitous 6750cc OHV V8 unit, which endowed the newcomer with swift acceleration and a top speed of 130mph. Suspension was independent by coil springs front and rear, coupled with hydraulic self-levelling height control at the back (from 1990 onwards). Braking was by ventilated discs at the front and solid units at the rear. The idea of trading maple eye walnut for grained wood veneers and a substantial price cut clearly worked, with the originally UK-only Eight eventually being sold in mainland Europe and the USA as well. The model was superseded by the Bentley Brooklands in 1992 after a total of 1,736 had been sold worldwide.

`G598 YTA' is a Bentley Eight manufactured in 1991 and supplied new to its first keeper (who is rumoured to have been a West Country-based Harley Street consultant) by main agent H A Fox of Torquay. It sports Brooklands Green coachwork teamed with an interior of Green-piped Tan leather upholstery and Light Green carpet and lambswool over-rugs. Reportedly a five owner car, the Eight is understood to come complete with: extensive service history - initially courtesy of H A Fox, then independent Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Balmoral and, most recently, John Mellor Classics; tax until the end of September and MOT into April 2012. Its typically luxurious specification includes active ride suspension and cruise control. The vendor regards the bodywork, interior trim, engine and three-speed automatic transmission as "very good" and the paintwork as "good". The car is being sold without reserve. Instantly recognisable by its unique sporty radiator grille, a Bentley Eight will cut a dash in any company and is a very affordable option at today's prices.