1985 Bentley Eight
Discussion
So, first post here, maybe my last depending on what the answers are. I've been offered the above car that's been stood for about 20 years, it does start and move apparently and interior looks clean. What else do I need to look for on these? It's done a fair few miles too but, get this, wife is completely supporting this possible purchase. Do they rust badly and if so where? I also own a 60s Yank so I'm well aware of rust issues ha ha
Rust - wheelarches (starts front of rear wheelarch), sills, jacking points, front + rear screen surrounds.
Engine - is it firing on all 8? They're so smooth, they get sold firing on 7 and the buyer doesn't notice.
Hydropneumatic suspension
Brakes, not forgetting handbrake.
It would probably be cheaper to buy the cheapest one online with an MOT (or equvalent Silver Spirit) than re-commission one that hasn't been used for 20 years!
Engine - is it firing on all 8? They're so smooth, they get sold firing on 7 and the buyer doesn't notice.
Hydropneumatic suspension
Brakes, not forgetting handbrake.
It would probably be cheaper to buy the cheapest one online with an MOT (or equvalent Silver Spirit) than re-commission one that hasn't been used for 20 years!
Having never owned one, but having messed about with a couple at a friend's garage I have the following observations which may be useful.
1) Ignore the nay-sayers. Of course it won't be easy or cheap but when was anything worth while?
2) They are mostly a collection of individually simple systems, but there is a lot of everything and it's all going to need some love. Are you technically minded and handy enough with spanners to at least be able to tell the difference between things you can mess with and things best left to a specialist?
3) Do you have a covered work area and access to a trailer?
4) It's a pushrod V8 with either simple EFi or carbs depending on the year.
5) The suspension and braking system is more akin to a Citroen. Find someone local who can do this for you. It's too critical to learn on the job.
6) Body wise it's no big deal, just lots of it which will need to be done to a high standard to look good.
7) It will make an epic Reader's Cars thread and if it works you will be a hero!
8) Even if it fails you will have learned a lot on the journey and will still be a legend for having attempted it.
9) It's a 1980's Bentley. They are awesome!
10) It's going to probably cost more than buying a good one, but you will know it's all done right. See point (1).
Good luck!
1) Ignore the nay-sayers. Of course it won't be easy or cheap but when was anything worth while?
2) They are mostly a collection of individually simple systems, but there is a lot of everything and it's all going to need some love. Are you technically minded and handy enough with spanners to at least be able to tell the difference between things you can mess with and things best left to a specialist?
3) Do you have a covered work area and access to a trailer?
4) It's a pushrod V8 with either simple EFi or carbs depending on the year.
5) The suspension and braking system is more akin to a Citroen. Find someone local who can do this for you. It's too critical to learn on the job.
6) Body wise it's no big deal, just lots of it which will need to be done to a high standard to look good.
7) It will make an epic Reader's Cars thread and if it works you will be a hero!
8) Even if it fails you will have learned a lot on the journey and will still be a legend for having attempted it.
9) It's a 1980's Bentley. They are awesome!
10) It's going to probably cost more than buying a good one, but you will know it's all done right. See point (1).
Good luck!
Thank you for the advice. I looked at it, it wouldnt start and the body had rust all over the place. There wad little left of the rwar wheel arches. It'd take years and thousands of pounds to rescue and with the value of these and the mileage it's covered I left it. The interior was decent though but that's the only thing that was good on it. It's definitely a project and a half and I'm no expert, reality is it was a parts car at best.
I'd did make me realise I need to add this sort of car to my bucket list though
I'd did make me realise I need to add this sort of car to my bucket list though
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