Vehicle Description
1988 Bentley Eight Sedan
As an entry-level model, Bentley made some effort to distinguish
the Eight from its more expensive brother. Primary among the
changes were a mesh grille in place of the slats worn by the
Mulsanne, as well as a lower level of power equipment. More of a
corner carver than other offerings, the Eight also had a firmer
suspension. Upon introduction, the Eight had a cloth interior,
steel wheels, and a carburetor. That kept the price under £50,000
in the UK, which was important to portray its affordability to
customers. Through 1985 there were no anti-lock brakes, 1986 saw
the introduction of electronic fuel injection, and memory seats
didn't appear until 1987.
As the consigner states a lot of flash for a little cash! That
would sum up this Bentley Eight offering from 1988. Very luxurious
with leather, burl, Wilton carpeting, and a powerful 6.75 Liter V8.
Surround yourself with luxury and have a look at how the other half
lives on the road.
Exterior
Purchased from the original owner 12 years ago, our current
consigner inherited a nice black painted exterior of this big car
meant for shuttling folks to various locations in style. Essential
late 1980s square and rectangle design, this car fits that bill and
then some. Straight steel panels are covered with older black
paint, which shows some areas of wear and scratching. The remainder
of this luxurious automobile is adorned with shiny polished
stainless and chrome trimmings. A nice big front grille surround
leads it off and is flanked by dual rectangular headlights. 4 wide
sweepers of doors allow easy access into the passenger compartment
and sport all nice chrome trimmings and window surrounds. Bentley
alloy wheels are on all 4 corners and wrapped with black wall
bands.
Interior
Plenty of Camel colored leather, plenty of burl trimmings, plenty
of luxury for this nicely preserved interior. Chromed panels house
electric power option toggles on the door panels, and the central
leather covered console with more toggles and controls. Nicely
padded and full bucket chairs are upfront all bathed in more Camel
leather and looking very clean and like new. A spacious rear bench
is in back, and all this comfort floats in a sea of thick pile
reddish brown carpeting from Wilton. Upfront the burl encrusted
dash has all the instruments, margin lights and buttons and idols a
747 pilot would want to reach for. But alas it's your Bentley, you
are driving, so calm down! Climate controls and AM/FM/Cassette
radio, power seats, power mirrors and windows and an ash receptacle
and this is livin'!
Drivetrain
Like lifting the hood in the showroom, the engine bay is
immaculate. No corrosion, no rust, not even any dust here on the
massive 6.75 liter V8 with EFI. A TH400 3-speed automatic is on
back and power from this setup goes rearward to a 3.08 rear axle.
Just a beautiful feat of engineering and use of limited space for
this engine.
Undercarriage
Structurally sound underneath, we see only minor surface rust on
the suspension. We note 4 wheel independent suspension along with 4
wheel power disc brakes. Dual exhaust snakes its way back from the
engine and is quieted by a stock style muffler. All buttoned up
spit spot down here!
Drive-Ability
As will all the special cars that come into our hallowed halls,
this one got the treatment where we get in and make ourselves
totally comfortable. Once this has been adjusted and achieved, we
fire it up and go off to the test track. Here she performed
beautifully, a wonderful ride, smooth acceleration from the 6.75
liter, and all functions were in working order during our test
drive.
All looking good on the body and interior fronts, and on the
powertrain front. Some concern for that rear spring setup invasive
rust which will need to be addressed before it becomes a structural
ride problem. All else is just swimming wonderfully, and powering
along the road in style is the code word for this 1988 Bentley
Eight.
VIN DECODE
SCBZE02BXJCX23557
S-Europe
C-United Kingdom
B-Bentley
ZE-Bentley Eight
02-6.75L V8
B-Manual Belts
X-Check Digit
J-1988
C-Crewe, England Assy Plant
X23557-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
