1949 Bentley Le Mans 'Speed 8' by Racing Green Engineering

It’s encouraging to note that, even in these difficult times, there are builders of bespoke, hand-crafted, specialised vehicles that are still enjoying healthy order books and Llanelli-based Racing Green Engineering Ltd are one such company. For nearly four decades they have been known worldwide for their Bentley Special, Alvis and Alfa Romeo recreations as an homage to the classic cars of a bygone era, combining the elegance of the past with discreet modern upgrades to make them more than just museum pieces. They currently offer half a dozen Bentley-based ‘B-Special’ models including the 'Speed 8', an example of which we have on offer here.

The coachwork of the 'Speed 8' follows the construction of the original Le Mans cars with an ash frame, panelled with aluminium and fabric-covered to the chosen colour of the car. A new aluminium instrument panel is fitted, incorporating high-quality reproductions of the original instruments and the interior is finished in Connolly leather with leather-bound carpets. The fold-flat windscreen has aero screens of the type that can be used in the normal scuttle position or as draught deflectors alongside the windscreen. Further details of the car’s specification can be found below.

Chassis #B37EW dates from 1949 and was bodied by the factory as a Mk VI Saloon. There is a copy of the car’s original specification within the history file. It began its second life when it became a Racing Green Engineering 'Speed 8' (LWB) and we understand stood proudly on their stand at the 2009 Goodwood Revival.

Our vendor, the car’s long-term owner, was enjoying a euphoric day out at the Goodwood Revival (it’s difficult to not have a euphoric day out at the Revival!) and chanced upon the Racing Green Engineering stand. His eye was taken by the striking 'Speed 8' and he was so impressed with the car, the quality of its engineering and the standard of finish in Rolls-Royce Brewster Green over Lincoln Green leather, that he decided that he would like to own it. Cars of this nature are a serious investment and not normally an impulse purchase, however arrangements were concluded and the 'Speed 8' joined his Collection in early 2010.

A letter from the Bentley Drivers Club in the accompanying file dated 17th December 2009, states that 'We have inspected the vehicle to confirm its identity. The car is constructed from its original components, all of which are over 25 years old. The engine installed is a period Rolls-Royce/Bentley B.80 and the car is fitted with an Ash-framed Tourer body'.

The full technical specification of the car is impressive and is detailed within the accompanying file. A summary is listed below:

Chassis: Refurbished Bentley Mark 6

Engine: Bentley B80 5,675cc, eight-cylinder in-line. Wet or dry sump lubrication system. 4 SU Type H.6 carburettors. Selectable, engine-driven mechanical or twin electric fuel pumps

Exhaust System: Large-bore, straight-through, stainless steel exhaust system.

Clutch: Single dry plate, heavy duty or lightweight diaphragm.

Transmission: Bentley four-speed and reverse. Choice of crown wheel and pinion ratio.

Suspension: Upgraded front and rear road springs

Braking System: Hydraulic front drum brakes, mechanical rear drum brakes, assisted by a mechanically-driven servo.

Wheels & Tyres: 21" wire wheels with 21 x 7.00 tyres. Knock-on stainless steel spinners.

Bodywork: Ash-framed. Aluminium panelled and covered with wadding and Rexine. Double-duck retractable hood and full tonneau cover. Folding windscreen fitted with laminated safety glass. Solid nickel radiator shell, all other brightwork nickel-plated. Interior leather upholstered, with driver and passenger bucket seats. High-quality, close-woven carpets.

Our vendor has only covered a nominal mileage since his purchase in 2010 and it has always been stored properly at his home. Fresh to market after 15 years of private ownership, this fabulous motor car is being offered at a fraction of what it would cost to replicate and we invite and encourage your viewing to fully appreciate the quality on offer.