An evolution of the competition-proven Speed Six, the Bentley 8-Litre was a crowning achievement for the Cricklewood-based automaker; this sophisticated six-cylinder automobile realized company founder W.O.

Bentley’s dream of melding race-bred performance and ultra-exclusive luxury.

The 8-Liter would come at quite a cost, however, for both potential buyers and the automaker itself; production ceased after Bentley’s acquisition by Rolls-Royce, with only 100 chassis completed.

The mighty 8-Litre powerplant in this car, engine number YF5006, was originally placed in an H.J.

Mulliner Weymann fabric-paneled saloon; the car was prominently exhibited at the 1930 Olympia Motor Show prior to delivery to Sir William Crawford.

The car is noted by renowned Bentley historian Clare Hay in her book Bentley: The Vintage Years as having been built to its present two-seater form by a Mr.

Sutherland.

Stampings indicate that its chassis, as well as its steering box and the shell for its lowered rad...