Automotive Gallery

Introduced in 1984, the Eight was intended to attract younger, more entrepreneurial buyers to the newly resurgent Bentley marque. A more sporting proposition than its Mulsanne sibling thanks to specially stiffened front suspension and sharper steering, the newcomer was visually distinguished by a Le Mans-esque wire mesh radiator grille - though a more conventional slatted grille remained optional. The combination of Crewe's excellent and long-lived 6.75 litre OHV V8 engine mated to automatic transmission gave the handsome four-door saloon a reputed top speed of 130mph. Trading picnic tables and maple eye walnut for grained wood veneers and a substantial price cut, the Eight was a conspicuous success. Upgraded in 1986 with ABS brakes and Bosch fuel injection, the model had its target audience extended to include Europe and the USA, and by the time production ceased in 1992, some 1,736 had been sold worldwide.
Finished in Royal Blue metallic with blue-piped Parchment leather upholstery, this particular carburettor-fed example is stated to have covered just 64,000 miles from new (a figure substantiated by "full Bentley service history"). Sporting a very rare factory-fitted Bentley blue piano wood fascia protected by a blue dashboard roll-top, 'D810 UGO' is understood to have had some £5,000 worth of cosmetic and servicing work lavished on it over the last two months. From its slated radiator grille and quad headlamps to its Turbo-type turbine alloy wheels shod with slim band whitewall tyres, the Eight has an undoubted road presence. Further benefiting from a stainless steel exhaust, the Bentley is described by the vendor as being in "superb overall" condition. He goes on to say that 'D810 UGO' "drives very well" and "should not be confused with your average mid-1980s Bentley". An elegant and stylish motorcar that has the potential to delight both drivers and passengers alike.

Image and description kindly supplied by H&H Classic Auctions