Our Cars
B Special Speed 8
The Story
A powerful open tourer inspired by W.O. Bentley’s celebrated Speed Six and Le Mans heritage.
The 6½ litre car was known to be WO Bentleys favourite design. In its Speed Six form the car established itself as the iconic racing car of the early 30’s, with notable success on the track with the famous drivers such as Barnato/Clement and the Bentley Boys.
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. The interior is finished in Connelly leather and 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. It is fitted with hood tonneau cover and hood bag.
These cars have at their heart the B Series straight 8 engines, fitted with 4 SU Carburettors and a choice of rear axle ratios. Electrics have been upgraded to meet the demands of modern motoring and rally use, The robust MK6 chassis is used as the basis of the car.
Specifications
- Model
- B Special Speed 8
- Chassis
- Refurbished Bentley Mark 6
- Engine
- Bentley B81 6516cc or B80 5675cc, eight-cylinder in-line. Wet or dry sump lubrication system, dependant on variant. 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.
- Wheels & Tyres
- 21” wire wheels with 21 x 7.00 tyres. Knock on stainless steel spinners.
- Braking System
- Hydraulic front drum brakes, mechanical rear drum brakes, assisted by mechanically driven servo.
- 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 bright work nickel-plated. Interior leather upholstered, with driver and passenger bucket seats. High quality close woven carpets.