The 'Entry-Level' Bentley That BEAT Mercedes? - Immaculate Bentley Eight Road Test

[@hamsterclamper]

Woohoo, no silly background music. Thanks for listening❤

[@davidmwood560]

I've never owned an "Eight"; just Mulsanne, Brooklands and Turbo-R: all built between 1989 and 1992, ans all of which are truly fabulous cars. The only rule (other than general condition) I apply when buying, is mileage; the more the better. Bentleys do not do well when under-used, they like to be driven. My current '92 Mulsanne had 106,000 miles on it when I bought it for slightly less than £5,500 and it now has a further 51,000 miles on. It's never let me down and, so long as I keep it serviced, with oil changes every 4,000 miles, I see it being my "daily" for years to come.

[@klwthe3rd]

It's nice to see finally the Bentley Eight get it's due. This model has been so neglected in the media for over 4 decades that finally now, people are appreciating them for being a turning point in the Bentley brand. I remember in the United States, the Turbo R got all the rage in 1989 when it was imported so the Bentley Eight took a backseat. That was really a shame because NOT everyone wants a Turbo R model - especially when the upkeep on the turbocharger is really high. The Bentley Eight although labeled as the entry level Bentley was still way nicer than anything Mercedes Benz or BMW or Audi could muster. They sold well considering Bentley at that time wasn't selling huge amounts of it's cars. I just love them.

[@sunilnijran1515]

Brings back memories!! Loved this car.. but my favourite was the Turbo R!!

[@nomebear]

This vintage and model is easily purchased in the mid-teens here in the U.S., with some having surprisingly low mileage, while others are close to 200,000 miles on the odometer. They are amazing.

[@alexmacdonald4270]

The Bentley Eight looks amazing

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Lovely car and good video 🚘🚙🚗👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Lovely example and great value for money. A Mercedes S class was probably better built and better to drive, but the interior quality of the Bentley is on another level. If you are considering one, buy the best you can afford and ensure your garage is large enough to accommodate it, they don't like standing, particularly outdoors.

[@klwthe3rd]

Do they have issues if they are parked outside in the weather?

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

@@klwthe3rd Cold, wet, damp weather is not a friend, they are very prone to rust. No worse than a Jag of the same era, but that's hardly an endorsement.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@jjefferyworboys8138 I ask because as more and more new people get interested in these cars, not everyone has a huge garage for all these cars. You can buy a good Bentley Eight for around $15,000 to $17,000 in the USA and some might be prone to park them outside.

[@kevinbray9550]

It's not the cost of the car . It's the cost of running the car. If you can afford it then do it. Few cars have such presence.

[@klwthe3rd]

Well said. 100% accurate statement.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

As this isn't going to be your everyday car, I recommend you try one, they really aren't expensive to run. You probably won't do more than a thousand miles a year.

[@Sawubona2007]

Fantastic colour

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Great value for money, but you do need a large garage to keep it in. Once you have owned a good example, you will want another. If you have never experienced one, you really should.

[@RupertFear]

9:24 LJK Setright returns!

[@Mike-br8zt]

I see what you mean (7:24).

[@roygardiner2229]

"Simplicity and yet class". That sounds right to me. Well, I think for an "entry level" car it's more than good enough for me.

[@commandertopgun]

I AGREE, IT'S ON MY BUCKET LIST FOR THIS OCTOBER, FINALLY, I CAN AFFORD IT & MORE. LOL, I LOVE THE VIDEO REVIEW & HONEST COMMENTARY ON THIS FANTASTIC STUNNING CLASSIC. THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

By the best you can afford, it really is the cheapest in the long run. Don't get hung up on a particular model, spec or colour, just buy the nicest car. Remember that they are too long for most ordinary garages and they hate being left outside. My garage extension to accommodate my Bentley probably cost more than the value of this car, but to me it worth it !

[@Frank-t7n]

Almost got a Roller of this body. Price was fair. Talked with shop I have used. The cost of some repairs were to high. So did not get it. Good looking car.

[@monk3yboy69]

You chickened out 😀😀. Good decision.

[@shiftfocus1]

I once read that these don’t really accelerate, they build momentum.

[@nomebear]

We're talking inertial and physics when throwing something of this caliber around the track.

[@klwthe3rd]

You are correct!

[@Bod8998]

Lovely motor clean for an 87

[@laurieharper1526]

Beautiful vehicle. I like its unpretentious nature. It has all the important things that made Crewe-built cars great and dispenses with the frills (who needs lambswool rugs, decanters in pockets in the seat backs and associated frippery?). An enthusiast's car. I'd love one of these or a Brooklands. Never fancied the Turbo. Blistering acceleration seems to go against the spirit of the cars. Imho of course.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Well said!

[@jonboy9912]

I have admired Bentleys for years but never owned one favouring Mercedes, because despite being able to afford the second hand purchase prices I am constantly reminded that I am buying a vehicle that requires continual attention, costed new much more than I could afford and spares and servicing would be commensurately expensive, whereas my local garage can handle everything on my Mercedes E, CLS and SL easily and spares are relatively cheap.

[@JK-rt2jj]

The mansion in the back seems rather insignificant.

[@ChithrangeeWithana-ne5tx]

Could you guys do a video comparing the Turbo R, Mulsanne turbo, Brooklands and the Eight? and I'd also heard that Bentleys and Rolls Royces of this era were modified/coachbuilt by Hooper & Co. would be lovely if you could get one of those on the channel!!!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We'd love to, watch this space...

[@evo5dave]

No background music. Hoorah!

[@jasonbernard1277]

I really like this presenter

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks! -Phil

[@nigel.w]

Wonderful looking example.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

An entry-level car, just about the price of 3 houses. :)

[@klwthe3rd]

Exactly!

[@Mike-br8zt]

It is all relative. I recall asking a member of the Bristol Owners Club how could he justify spending a similar amount. The response: it is cheaper than a helicopter!

[@thomash2806]

Hi there. Does it have the Citroën suspension?

[@benofbrown]

Yes, but Rolls-Royce/Bentley only used it on the rear wheels, unlike Citroën. Also the pumps for the high pressure system are unique to Bentley/RR and are driven off of two additional pushrods in the engine, one at the front and one at the rear. I beleive Citroën used electric pumps on theirs.

[@-DC-]

Belt Driven Pump on most Citroen Hydro Cars ​@@benofbrown

[@benofbrown]

@@-DC- Good to know, thanks!

[@thomash2806]

@@benofbrown As far as I know Citroën used belt-driven hydraulic pumps from 1954 on the Traction Avant until the 2001 C5 when an electric pump became the norm. It was used on all four wheels of Citroëns except on the Traction Avant (rear only) and was especially useful on those that had 65% of their weight over the front for its anti-squat/dive characteristics. In a great many Citroëns the same hydraulic pump provided pressure for the clutch, speed-sensitive self-centring steering, rear-suspension-linked load-sensing brakes and the four-wheel independent height-adjustable self-levelling anti-squat/dive suspension. That’s the way my 1983 CX works. It really is extremely advanced engineering. I also have an Airmatic S-Class Mercedes. The Citroën is leagues ahead for ride comfort so I can imagine the elements licenced to RR/Bentley gave it a cosseting ride although I’ve never experienced it.

[@benofbrown]

@@thomash2806 Thanks for that detailed summary. I'm not sure of the RR/Bentley weight distribution but I'm guessing it's less front heavy than the FWD Citroëns. These pumps also provide pressure for the brakes. I've only experienced my own Bentley, a 1996 Turbo R, which has firmer suspension than the Rolls-Royce and earlier Bentley models like the Mulsanne, but cosseting still applies. It does a great job, even on our increasingly potholed roads!

[@sprezzatura8755]

I prefer the mesh grill to the slots. I believe other cars are converted.

[@hedgehog5001]

I have a stunning fern green Turbo R, I love it. Effortless motoring. You too could have one for way less than a used family motor, why wouldn't you? Running costs? Balance them against the depreciation on all new cars or modern used cars couple that with cheap insurance. Why wouldn't you.

[@giuliopedrali4794]

In design and class beat always Mercedes, also the 80s Mercedes, but i prefer the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

[@giuliopedrali4794]

@@alancrisp1582 I prefer the first Silver Spirit, 1982 1986 in particular, car of the british landlords for we Italians

[@giuliopedrali4794]

@@alancrisp1582 The first, the Rolls-Royce of the 60s 70s and 80s are for british gentry, (with bright colours and yellow british number plate in the rear) in the popular image, modern Rolls-Royce more for tycoons etc etc

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Off to auto trader….

[@fasthracing]

Dash rattle aside (My pet hate) a wonderful car.

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

Not surprised that the owner of this car has a big, white beard!

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

@@alancrisp1582 having been to many British car shows, these cars have a type! Not a bad thing, just slightly funny!

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

@@alancrisp1582 you’re a rarity, and that’s cool 😊

[@shiftfocus1]

I thought it was Setright himself, at first

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

@@shiftfocus1 a man who was a great champion of luxury, British motors!

[@mattbod]

I thought that owner was LJK Setright reincarnated lol.

[@markscars1069]

Video so much better for the absence of generic backing music…

[@runoflife87]

To be honest both RR and Bentley had problems back in early 80's. So-so build quality, unreliable Lucas components and too conservative looks.

[@Allmentux]

No Lucas component is really unrealiable on those cars, because RR properly paid their supplier!

[@runoflife87]

@@Allmentux US customers had multiple complains though.

[@johnroddy8756]

Owning one of those cars in my opinion a money pit .

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

The same comment can be made of all older premium brand cars.

[@jimmyjones9780]

The reason for Bentley's success today is the billions their parent company, Audi of Germany gave them for research and development, otherwise they would be no more ..... Just like Rolls Royce and VW .... And to some extent Aston Martin and Mercedes Benz ....

[@jimmyjones9780]

Beat Mercedes? .... Where is Bentley now? Owned by Germany, so the better car is .....

[@PeterCox-k1w]

The better car is neither now, for they both produce garbage these days