• Fully matching numbers: chassis, engine, gearbox, axles, steering column, differential • Fully restored in 1972 by Elmdown Engineering • Extensive recent refurbishment by VBE Restorations • VBE detailed inspection report available Although the prevailing image of Bentley cars during the Cricklewood period of the company's life is that of out-and-out sports cars and fast tourers, it is often overlooked that W O Bentley made a determined bid for the carriage trade, particularly with his larger 4½-Litre, 6½-Litre and 8-Litre models, and it is largely because of this that Napier's bid for the company in 1931 was thwarted by Rolls-Royce, which doubtless saw that a rejuvenated Bentley company would present strong competition for its own models.

As it is, only 100 examples of the 8-Litre model had been produced before bankruptcy overtook the original Bentley company; had they been in a stronger financial position it might well have been a different story.

With a chassis price of £1,850, t...