1931 Bentley 8 Litre Sports Tourer

Coachwork in the style of Vanden Plas by James Pearce

Chassis No. YX5109

Engine Number: YX5109

Registration number: GY31

The most recognized image of Bentley cars during the vintage Cricklewood period of the company’s life is that of out-and-out sportscars and fast tourers. However, it is often overlooked that W. O. Bentley made an effort to market his cars toward the ‘carriage trade’, particularly with his larger 4, 6 and 8-litre models. It is the consensus of many historians that this the reason Napier’s bid for the company in 1931 was thwarted by Rolls-Royce, who clearly appreciated that a rejuvenated Bentley company would present strong competition to their own brand.

Only 100 examples of the 8-litre model had been completed before bankruptcy overtook the original Bentley company, but had they been in a stronger financial position, it might well have been a different outcome. The chassis price of the 8-litre Bentley at £1,850 was in direct competition with the Rolls-Royce Phantom II. The new, big Bentley performed better than the Rolls, and the contemporary press were lavish with their praise for the 8-litre model. “One of the finest examples of British automobile engineering that has ever been produced,” said The Sphere in 1931; “Motoring in its very highest form: the tremendous performance,” proclaimed The Autocar in December 1930, having already proclaimed (in September 1930) “To say that a car possesses that much quality is to pay it the highest compliment in one’s power.”

This magnificent 8 Liter was originally sold new at the legendary Jack Barclay Ltd. in London with formal Sedanca de Ville Coachwork. Given the timing of its purchase by the first recorded owner G. Henscher as mid-1932, it seems likely that perhaps the car was used by Barclay staff as a demonstrator. Michael Hay’s book on the model notes that prior to being sold to by Henscher, the car had already been driven more than 2,400 miles. It is notable as well that when delivered, it was sold as ‘second-hand’ and   received new glass, as well as a full structural service of the bodywork by Freestone and Webb, prior to its delivery. The car continued to be maintained by the factory until just before WWII. Its known ownership history is relatively uncomplicated, the car being the property of Joseph Perry of Birmingham just before the war and remaining with him until 1947 when acquired by Col. Walton in 1947, at which point it is known to have spent some time in Scotland. In 1962 the car was the property of a Willy P. Dale and later traded through Dan Margulies to Barry Eastick.

YX 5109 was restored in the 1970s by Bentley specialists Hoffman and Mountford, who rebodied it in the guise of the earlier 4½ and Speed Six ‘Le Mans’ fabric touring bodies, a style which was famously only fitted to one 8 Liter Bentley. Noted Bentley expert James Pearce’s eye for a good-looking sports tourer was arguably second to none and the bodywork fitted to this car is extremely well designed, in that despite retaining its original 13 ft chassis, the length of the car is hidden in its good proportions. The restoration took 2 years to complete. When finished it was shown at the Bentley Drivers Club Dorchester House meet in 1978 and later at the Kensington Gardens meet, in the 1980s.

Soon afterward, YX 5109 made its way to America and acquired by Bill Chadwick of Dallas, Texas. Chadwick showed the car at the RROC Regional Meet in Salado, Texas in 1986. In 1988 the 8 Liter was sent to Elmdown Engineering and received a full engine rebuild with new shell bearings, a Phoenix crankshaft and rods and full-flow oil filter were fitted. Later, a Laycock heavy-duty overdrive was also fitted, allowing effortless touring at high speeds. The 8 Liter was later acquired by Charles H. Brown in 1995.  Brown brought it back to his coach-house in the UK until 2013, where it was driven sparingly and well maintained during his 18-year stewardship, including a thorough service by Elmdown. Since 2013 the big Bentley was carefully maintained in a private collection before coming to the Blackhawk Collection. This impressive machine presents beautifully and is in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition.

Ready for its next caretaker, this is an undeniably handsome and rare sports tourer represents a superb way to appreciate the 8 Litre’s legendary performance.