Footnotes

• The repositioning of the Bentley marque as Rolls-Royce's enthusiast, high-performance partner had begun in 1982 with the introduction of the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo, yet one crucial element of the package remained relatively undeveloped: the chassis. As it happened, the modifications necessary to enable the greatly increased urge to be exploited to the full - firmer damping and altered spring rates - debuted in 1984 on the evocatively named yet normally aspirated Bentley Eight. By giving the Bentley Eight a simple mesh grille in vintage Le Mans style, its designers created a distinctive new model, furthering the marque's revival as Rolls-Royce sporting partner. Conceived as an 'entry level' Bentley, the normally aspirated Eight was pitched against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series yet was more expensive than its German rivals at a little under £50,000 when launched in 1984. The saving of some £5,000 over the price of a standard Mulsanne was achieved by a slight reduction in interior specification - straight-grain walnut rather than the traditional burr, for example - yet the overall effect remained virtually unchanged. 'Inside it's still luxury with a capital 'L' and the big, leather lounge chairs with their every-which-way power adjustment remain a potent statement of this,' observed Motor.
  This Bentley Eight comes with full service history, having been maintained initially by Harwoods and since 2006 by DEW. A well cared for second car, owned by the current vendor since 2003, it is now being sold to make way for a newer model. 'D547 APB' is described as in generally good condition, with very good bodywork and paint, and is said to run and drive without fault. Finished in Forrest Green with matching carpets and green-piped beige leather upholstery, the car is offered with the aforementioned service history, current road fund licence/MoT and Swansea V5C registration document. A true 'drive away' purchase.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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