Value-ing a Bentley Eight

[english68]

You would normally find me in the Porsche or BMW worlds but I have been set an unusual task...

My elderly and not-very-well neighbour has asked me to help sell his Bentley Eight and I am not sure where to begin!

It is Dec '84 B reg, with 67,000 miles showing (largely but not conclusively backed-up by MoTs etc).

Dark Blue with cream hide & blue piping.

He has lost most of the service records, including books etc, but still has receipts back to 1999 showing a WHOPPING amount spent in 2000/2001!

He is the fifth owner and only wants to sell because he can't see that he will ever use it again.

To me (no expert) it all looks good for its age. Really nice interior and respectable paintwork with some blemishes.

Can anyone here point me in the right direction please,to make sure the owner doesn't get taken for a ride but doesn't over-price either?

Best wishes to all and thanks in advance.

English68

[Balmoral Green]

The trade probably won't really want it, and will value it as little more than it's worth to break, probably £2000 - £3000.

Private sale if you want the hassle, maybe £6000 - £8000 ???

I would try the H&H classic auctions at Buxton if you want an easy sale, and it may make good money if it is particularly nice.

http://www.classic-auctions.co.uk/

Or a classified in the Bentley Drivers Club Advertiser, or the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club equivalent.

For a ball park figure on potential pricing, as I might be miles out, try having a chat with Simon or Stuart at Phantom Motor Cars.

http://www.pmcuk.com/

[POORCARDEALER]

BG is on the ball there, a decent car is £5-7K.

[2woody]

that's really early for a Bentley Eight. There were also only just over 1700 made, so it's relatively rare.

none of which will push up the value, unfortunately.

[english68]

Thank you all for the quick and helpful responses!

The Bentley world is a very friendly one!

I spoke to several Main Agents today, as well as Simon at Phantom - ALL were extremely helpful and I am on my way to having quite a lot of knowledge and maybe even some documentation to replace the lost history!

Best wishes to all and many thanks again.

English68

[Balmoral Green]

You're welcome

[2woody]

hat's what we're here for !

[cardigankid]

But we like pictures!!

[english68]

I am away this week but will ask about posting pictures on my return - the car is quite smart and after a polish should look great in photographs!

Thanks again.

[2woody]

does this mean that you're thinking of keeping it yourself ?

[english68]

2woody said:

does this mean that you're thinking of keeping it yourself ?

Hi 2woody

Much as it would be a great car to have for relatively little money, I won't be buying it - too large for me and I already have one car with hefty running costs (I note from the existing bills it cost over £10,000 to have the hydraulics overhauled and what looks like a simple service was £2800!!)

Odd though it sounds, I will get some pleasure out of helping the owner prepare the car for sale. He really is a great person and the car is out of the ordinary too (My Grandfather was a RR/Bentley fan and there is a little nostalgia attached too).

I should know tomorrow how much of the history I have been able to put back together and whether it will be worth buying a duplicate service book to get it stamped.

Clearly, even some history to support the mileage displayed is better than nothing when it comes to selling. I think the owner will keep it before he lets it go for too little though.

Best wishes as ever

[english68]

Hello All

So, finally, the car I mentioned in these posts is up for sale!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1325779.htm

I took it for a drive today (to find a nice place for photos) - what a great way to waft around in style for virtually no money!

Thank you all again for your kind assistance.

Very best wishes

English68

[atomicpunk]

A very handsome car sir, and priced very fairly. I'd be tempted myself if I had the space!

Good luck with the sale. I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a new owner for it.

[williamp]

Thats a lot of car for the money. Good luck

(Oh, and am I wrong for liking the mesh grill of the "cheaper" Bentleys more then the others??)

[atomicpunk]

williamp said:

Thats a lot of car for the money. Good luck

(Oh, and am I wrong for liking the mesh grill of the "cheaper" Bentleys more then the others??)

No, you are very right!