1990 Bentley Eight

This Bentley Eight is in the unusual colour of ‘Vermillion Red’ and is currently showing 103,018 miles on its odometer.

The mileage and the car’s age are to some extent reflected in its condition inasmuch as it is in decent fettle in most respects - and certainly drives well - but there are a few issues to contend with on the bodywork.

We understand that the car has had the bottom half resprayed and some corrective work done to tackle corrosion in the wheel arches.

That work will need to be done again in the not-too-distant future as there are a few small outbreaks of bubbling beginning to make themselves known here and there.

From a few metres away this car presents rather well and the bodywork has no dinks, dents, creases, folds or ripples of any note anywhere that we can see.

For the most part the vibrant red finish has held up decently, and the chrome-work, lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all in good condition.

The doors close as they should but, as is often the case with these cars, they feel as though they would benefit from re-hanging or at least some adjustment. 

Get a little closer and you will begin to notice a few areas that might require attention sooner rather than later.

There is some bubbling to be found at the top of the o/s/r wheel arch and under the paint on all four alloy wheels – particularly on the o/s/f wheel.

There is also some bubbling beneath the rear screen; next to the o/s/r indicator cluster and in the wing and wheel-arch behind it; in the wing ahead of the driver’s door and the sill beneath it; around the o/s/r door handle and just beneath the window above it; and at the top of the passenger door beneath the ‘B’ pillar.

There is bubbling and some flaking in evidence at the base of the n/s/f wheel-arch and in the sill adjacent to it.

There are a few splits and cracks in the tyre side-walls.

The inside of this car is very much a match for its exterior counterpart: it’s something of a curate’s egg – good in parts.

The cream leather (piped red) upholstery has acquired some patina over the years but is in broadly decent condition save for a small spot on the base of the outer back-rest bolster on the driver’s seat, where a hole has worn though.

Elsewhere the leather is in fair condition, although it would no doubt thank its next owner for the judicious application of some efficacious cleaning and feeding products.

The seats, front and back, are comfortable and supportive.

The driver’s-side central armrest has detached itself from its moorings and is likely to come away in your hand. 

The passenger-side central armrest contains what appears to be an original Motorola car-phone handset.

The lacquer is, variously, split, cracked, lifting or missing from all four door cappings. It has fared rather better on the dashboard.

The door cards are good, as is the roof lining.

So, too, are the red carpets (piped cream) and mats. 

The steering wheel, gear selector, instruments, dials and controls all look good to us – although we didn’t press every button or flick every switch and therefore can’t vouch for the efficacy of all things electrical. 

The engine bay is clean, dry and tidy. 

The undersides look to be possessed of plenty of structural integrity, although there is some rust to be seen in places. 

Clearly, you’ll want to see for yourself and reach your own conclusion.

It comes with a book full of stamps, although there is a 20-year hiatus between 2000 and 2020.

The car received a replacement steering rack in 2021 and was last serviced in December 2023.

It comes with a service book, manuals, a recent (clear) HPI check, two sets of keys and an MoT - with no advisories - that’s valid until 10.12.24.

Yes, it needs a bit of TLC here and there but, at the end of the day, you’ll be getting a whole lot of very capable and prestigious car for what is likely to be not that much money. 

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.