8 Litre 'Le Mans' 1931
We proudly present one of the most impressive pre-war motorcars ever built; the Bentley 8-Litre. This magnificent motorcar with registration GY673 started life as one of only 39 build ‘short wheelbase’ 4-Litre Bentleys. Chassis VA4093 is one of the last produced Bentleys in 1931. The automobile was road registered in the year 1932. The 4-Litre Bentley shared the chassis and all the components bar the engine with the 8-Litre model. Now fitted with a Bentley 8-Litre engine and engine number YR5084, Bentley 4-Litre chassis VA4093 with registration GY673 is presented here as a Bentley ‘8-Litre’. In 1932 chassis VA4093 was supplied new with a Freestone & Webb coachwork to Mr. De Solla. The automobile had known various authoritative car enthusiast UK owners before it was purchased by Mr. F.M. Wicock in 1976. Wicock had 4-Litre chassis VA4093 upgraded to 8-Litre specifications by Don Mackenzie with original 8-Litre Bentley parts. Most of these parts like the engine crankcase and the steering gear came from chassis YR5084 which was dismantled by Bentley Motors back in 1938. Mr. Wilcock had the ‘short chassis’ Le Mans coachwork made by H&H Coachbuilding in Sussex. Having completed the car, Mr. Wilcock sold it on to the well-known Bentley enthusiast Victor Gauntlett. This fantastic and very impressive motorcar was raced in Rallies by Prince Michael of Kent. In the year 2012 the automobile was purchased by a Dutchman who has added massively to the technical perfection and the history of this magnificent Bentley. The owner had the car fully improved to the highest standards by specialist ACS Engineering in the Netherlands. This to be able to drive and participate in many historic long distance (touring) rally events. Every component and part were given the utmost attention. Costs nor effort were spared in the process. Upgrades were given to the engine, electrics, brakes, suspension, cooling and exhaust using as many original Bentley parts as possible. Optically the vintage patina of the old paint and leather was beautifully preserved. A logbook describing all the work, the upgrades and all the regular service done on the car is available. From 2012 until 2019 the automobile has been constantly in the care of ACS Engineering and a specialist mechanic of the firm has accompanied the car for service and adjustments on all its outings around the globe. The owner has enjoyed this magnificent machine driving 5000 kilometres per annum, most recent in the Gran Premio Nuvolari. Furthermore, the Bentley has participated in the Beach to Bridge, Paris – Amsterdam, Tirol Classic and many other national and international events.
This is a rare opportunity to purchase a very rare and legendary motorcar. Only 39 Bentley 4-Litre ‘short chassis’ cars were built, and only 100 Bentley 8-Litre engines were produced. This magnificent Bentley ’8-Litre‘ Le Mans with registration GY673 may be the most exhilarating pre-war car you will ever lay eyes on. This important motorcar comes fully documented and expertised. This rare and exclusive automobile is up-to-date serviced and ready to embark on beautiful rally’s and road trips.
Owning this superlative machine must be every Bentley enthusiasts dream. We are quite curious to learn to which car the owner will move on and not be disappointed. This is a unique chance to acquire a rare and super exclusive pre-war Bentley ‘8-Litre’ in immaculate optical, technical and mechanical up-to-date TOP condition. This impressive Bentley is ‘turn-key’ ready for any adventure.Chassis VA4093. Highly interesting motorcar supplied new as a 4L Bentley with Freestone & Webb coachwork to Mr. De Solla on June 1932. It was subsequently sold to various UK collectors until it was owned by F.M Wicock as of 1976 who embarked VA4093 into a complete 8L upgrade by Don Mackenzie with original 8L Bentley parts. Most of these parts came from chassis YR5084 which was dismantled by Bentley Motors back in 1938. Mr. Wilcock had the 8L Le Mans coachwork made by H&H Coachbuilding in Sussex. Having completed the car, Mr. Wilcock sold it to Bentley enthusiast Victor Gauntlett. This magnificent example was raced in Rallies by Prince Michael of Kent and comes both fully documented and expertised.
