Bentley 8 Litre

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Bentley 8 Litre
Manufacturer	Bentley
Production	1930–1931 100 produced
Class	Luxury car
Engine	8 L I6
Wheelbase	144 in (3658 mm) 156 in (3962 mm)
Similar	Bugatti Royale Rolls-Royce Phantom II

The 8 Litre was the largest and most luxurious Bentley luxury car made prior to the purchase of the marque by Rolls-Royce. It used a massive 8 L (7983 cc/487 in³) straight-6 engine and rode on a long 144 in (3658 mm) or longer 156 in (3962 mm) wheelbase, making it the largest car produced in the United Kingdom up to that time.

The car was conceived similarly to the Bugatti Royale — as a halo car to vault the maker into position as the supreme maker of luxury cars in the world. However, like the Bugatti, the 8 Litre Bentley failed to sell in sufficient numbers to make a profit. Priced at £1,850 for the chassis only, it was an exclusive and pricey vehicle.

Only 100 of these fantastic cars were produced and they are much sought after by collectors. 2 of the cars were modified by McKenzie, who modified the engine and lowered the chassis. One of these cars was recently sold by a London dealer, the other is believed to be in India.

The six-cylinder engine used a one-piece iron block and cylinder head with an electron crankcase. 4 valves per cylinder were specified, as was twin-spark ignition — both were state of the art at the time. Bore was 110 mm (4.3 in) and stroke was 140 mm (5.5 in).

A 4-speed manual transmission with a single-plate dry clutch sent power to the rear wheels. Semi-elliptical springs were used all around, and 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes were also specified.

Bentley road car timeline

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1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s