Description
Bentley Le Mans 1934 speed 8 special.
Built over a ten year period by a professional Engineer with decades of experience restoring cars and building specials. Aided by master craftsman friends in the vintage car restoration business plus a W. O. Bentley specialist.
A huge amount of time and effort was spent in sourcing and renovating period parts where ever possible including an original radiator cowl. All the lights, instruments, horns, friction shock etc are of the correct period. Cellulose paint and mellowed nickel plating help to make this a very authentic looking car. It definitely avoids the recently manufactured look.
Based on a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/ 25 chassis, axels and steering. Fitted with a rebuilt Rolls-Royce B81 six and a half litre engine. It is registered as a Rolls-Royce 20/ 25. The rolls chassis is very similar to the W. O. Eight litre so seems appropriate. I considered using a Derby (Rolls) Bentley chassis but paradoxically it really isn’t suitable without substantial modification. Bentley was sadly nothing more than a name trade marked by Rolls-Royce by that time of course.
The vision was to create a car that would equally satisfy the critical eye of the expert but also to be appealing to those who appreciate anything unusual and interesting. The dashboard is clad in copper from the hull of HMS Victory. Note the date stamp of 1888 the last time Victory was re-coppered, coincidently the birth year of W O Bentley. The gear knob is made from Victory Oak. The handbrake top is a control ‘spade grip’ from a Hawker Hurricane (The machine gun button sounds the claxon horn). Door Handles from a De Haviland Mosquito, Spitfire starter button and passenger foot rests plus a ‘jettison bombs’ button also wired into the klaxon. A standard handbrake comes with car. All or some of these features can be put back to standard if preferred.
The driving experience is fantastic. So much effortless torque, combined with excellent ride qualities and predictable stable handling. Equally at home on motorways or pottering along small lanes. The five speed all synchro gearbox is easy to use and gives a very relaxed 30MPH per 1000RPM in top. Twin leading shoe hydraulic servo assisted front brakes help to stop the car and discreet telescopic shock absorbers smooth out the ride nicely. Blockley tyres look the part and work well. The accelerator is on the right. I built the car with the foot well extended forward and down to suit a tall driver. There is enough movement in the seat to suit an average height driver and adapting it for a shorter driver is straightforward.
I drove the car for several months as a rolling test bed to get everything settled down. When I was happy there were no changes needed it was dismantled, painted, trimmed, fabric covered and put back together. A useful way to spend a few months of Covid lockdown!
Needless to say it attracts attention wherever it goes. The response from those in the vintage car trade and Bentley owners has been very warm and enthusiastic.
If you are thinking of building something similar I am happy to give advice and details of what I have done.
The flying helmet and goggles go with the car.
For an extended description and Bonhams valuation please email me.
