Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 6 -
7 April 2018.
Estimates:
$325,000 - $375,000
An exceptional homage to the legendary W.O. BentleysClassic Le Mans
styling with modern reliabilityJust one owner since it was built in
2011
Few automobiles are as beloved by enthusiasts as the 6�-Liter
Bentley racing cars. The Speed 6 in particular, said to be W.O.'s
favorite of all the cars to bear the Bentley name, established
itself as the iconic racing car of the early '30s. In the hands of
the legendary 'Bentley Boys,' including company chairman Captain
Woolf Barnato, Bentley achieved four consecutive victories in the
24 Hours of Le Mans between 1927 and 1930 in addition to numerous
other successes. Today, some 80 years after the last examples were
built, these early Bentleys still inspire passion and command
allegiance wherever they are seen.
The car offered here, the 1949 Bentley B Special Speed 8 Touring,
is a truly stunning yet drivable homage to those 1930s racing
Bentleys. It was built from Bentley and Rolls-Royce components for
the consignor by Racing Green Engineering Limited of
Carmarthenshire, Wales, in 2011. It features an original 1949
Bentley Mk VI chassis which is fitted with a period B81 6,516-cc
straight-eight engine backed by a Bentley four-speed transmission.
The custom coachwork of the Speed 8 follows the construction and
design of the original Le Mans cars with an ash frame covered in
aluminum panels and fabric. It is fitted with a proper fold-flat
windscreen and wind deflectors. The interior is nicely appointed
with an aluminum instrument panel fitted with high-quality
reproductions of the original instruments, including Connelly
leather and high-quality woven carpets.
Those lucky enough to own period examples of the 6�-Liter racers
are often reluctant to part with them. Consequently, they are
nearly impossible to obtain in today's market. The car offered here
represents an exceptional opportunity to obtain the next best
thing. Eminently drivable with modern reliability and in
exceptional condition, this car is truly stunning in all respects
and is fully ready to be enjoyed. It is well suited to vintage
tours and rallies and will surely be welcome wherever fine period
racing cars are appreciated.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/FL18.