Aiming at prospective purchasers of younger age there was the idea to offer a variant of the Bentley Mulsanne conceived as a beginner's model. The outcome of this consideration to encourage younger owners to experience the Bentley marque was the Bentley Eight. A considerable price reduction was explained by the luxurious equipment having been slightly cut-back. Notwithstanding the Bentley Eight, distinguished in outward appearance by a radiator grille with wire-mesh instead of slats, hardly missed any goodie to be desired. tightened up front suspension providing sportier handling could even be considered as an advantage. The model became so popular that - initially only available in the UK market it became supplied to Europe and the United States too.

Technical Data:
8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration, aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast iron wet cylinder liners; bore x stroke 104.14 x 99.06 mm (4.1 x 3.9 in), capacity 6,750 cc, aluminium alloy cylinder heads; 2 SU carburetors (Bosch fuel injection on export models for North America and Japan, from 1986 Bosch fuel injection standard on all cars); 3-speed automatic gearbox; hypoid bevel final drive; independent suspension with coil springs front and rear, hydraulic self-leveling height control rear; ventilated disc brakes front, plain discs rear ; wheelbase 3,061 mm (120,5 in); tyres 235/70HR x 15

Bentley Eight, 1987. The mesh grille was a special feature of the Bentley Eight, suggesting the marque's sporting lineage.
(Photo courtesy of Steve Stuckey, AUS)