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2021 Shannons Winter Timed Online Auction
Lot
106

1987 Bentley Eight Saloon

$42,250

Sydney

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 6750cc
Gearbox 3-speed automatic
Body Work Saloon
Colour Balmoral Green
Interior Tan
Trim Leather
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

With the introduction of the Silver Spirit in 1980, Rolls-Royce continued to offer a Bentley variant and the new Mulsanne – named after the longest straight at Le Mans, scene of no less than five victories for the Bentley marque – was distinguished by its unique radiator shell, badging and wheel trims.  The Mulsanne, and its Rolls-Royce sibling, provided ample performance from the 6.75-litre V8 (power, as always, being undisclosed and merely described as ‘adequate’) and the ride was superb thanks to independent suspension with coil springs front and rear, along with the Girling hydraulic self-levelling system.  In an attempt to distance the Bentley marque from the Flying Lady, a number of unique Bentley variants were introduced, including the Mulsanne Turbo in 1982 and the Eight introduced just two years later.  Launched in part due to the economic downturn plaguing the world in the early 1980s, the Eight was a more sporting take on the standard Mulsanne, with revised front suspension and, in a nod to Bentley’s sporting heritage, a distinctive wire mesh grille housed in a chrome radiator surround.  Inside the picnic tables were deleted and woodgrain replaced the burr walnut veneer.  Cheaper it may have been (at £49,497 it cost £5,743 less than the Mulsanne), the Eight was still a very luxurious motor car with a long list of standard luxury features.  The Eight sold in comparatively small numbers – just 1,734 were built between 1984 and 1992 – but was a major factor in the revival of Bentleys fortunes and represents unparalleled value for money today.