Sold For €680,000

Found on RM Sotheby's website on August 20, 2019

RM | Sotheby's - THE SÁRAGGA COLLECTION 20 - 21 SEPTEMBER 2019
Offered without reserve

1931 Bentley 8-Litre Tourer
Chassis No. YR5094
Documents: Cancelled UK V5C

€700,000 - €800,000

- Documented, original build records and known history from new
- Handwritten factory workshop records from the 1930s
- Detailed photos and notes from restoration by marque specialist in the 2000s
- Documented by Bentley historian Clare Hay in Bentley: The Vintage Years

Introduced at the London Motor Show in 1930, the Bentley 8-Litre made an immediate impact. While the engine was an extension of the successful 6.5-litre Speed Six that powered Bentleys to numerous race victories, the 8-Litre was intended to knock Rolls-Royce from its pedestal. Capable of 100+ mph fitted with heavy formal coachwork, the Phantom had difficulty attaining 90 mph. It also impressed the automotive scribes of the era, with the Sphere of 1931 describing the new 8-Litre as ‘one of the finest examples of British automobile engineering that has ever been produced’.

Regardless of expense and engineered to the highest standards, no detail was overlooked. For example, the exhaust pipe was asbestos-lagged, encased in aluminium to reduce resonance, then coupled with a 20-gallon silencer. The resulting exhaust note is bliss to the Bentley faithful. The starter was designed to engage with surgical precision via a unique solenoid design, meshing with the flywheel before rotation begins.

Of the 100 8-Litre Bentleys built, YR5094 is the eleventh-to-last constructed. It was first delivered May 1931, wearing Thrupp and Maberly limousine coachwork, to Eu Tong Sen in Singapore, who often was accompanied by his lady friends—lending the car the moniker of ‘the harem saloon’. During WWII it was safely stored in a mine, before returning to the UK around 1950, where Peter Quinn, the next owner, removed the original body. Its next owner was Peter Morley, who shortened the chassis to a 30-inch wheelbase and fitted a stylish two-seater body suited to the vintage racing events he participated in.

The next owner, Mr Posnett, dismantled the car and returned the chassis to its original length of 12 feet. Still dismantled, it was purchased by John Cobbing in 2002, who had it restored by Bentley specialists the Vintage Workshop. The engine was completely rebuilt, including the one-shot lubrication system, clutch, carburetors, Auto-Vac, exhaust system, radiator, gearbox, 3.2:1 differential, suspension, and steering. Everything was either replaced, restored, or inspected and re-fitted to as close to as-new condition as possible.

It was then re-bodied as a Vanden Plas–style four-seater, two-door tourer. The fresh Midnight Blue paint finish enhances its lines, especially those iconic Gurney-Nutting–style helmet wings, and an era-correct original Lagonda luggage trunk was fitted over the gas tank. The interior was impeccably retrimmed using grey hides. The polished walnut instrument panel is complete with authentic black beveled speedometer, tachometer, voltage amp meter, Bosch ignition switch, ARIC oil pressure gauge, and correct switch for battery, battery/magneto, and magneto selections.

Few pre-war marques experienced as many coachwork and engine swaps as the W. O. Bentley cars, but YR5094 hides no secrets, as documented by its accompanying history file. Most 8-Litre Bentleys, like this example, were originally fitted with formal closed bodies that were eventually replaced with more sporting open tourers. The practice of replacing saloon and limousine bodies started in the 1930s, when owners began to move from the back seat to the front.

Noted motor car enthusiast David E Davis Jr was quoted in Forbes, 1991, as saying, ‘What is the highest tribute one can pay a noble, inspired million-dollar classic automobile? Simple, old boy, drive the bloody thing.’

With its exceptional provenance, wonderful condition, and rare production, this 8-Litre open tourer represents Bentley’s most masterful creations. As 2019 is the 100th Jubilee Anniversary of Bentley Motors, it is certain to be welcomed to all celebrations of the marque.

May 11, 2018: Sold for € 741,666

Found on Bonhams website on May 16, 2018

Lot 123
11 May 2018

The Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques À Monaco'
Monaco, Villa La Vigie

1931 Bentley 8-Litre Tourer - Chassis no. YR5094

- One of circa 80 survivors out of 100 built
- Despatched new to Singapore
- Professionally restored in the 2000s
- Ideal for Bentley's 100th Anniversary celebrations in 2019

FOOTNOTES
This magnificent 8-Litre is one of only 100 such cars produced by W O Bentley, of which only some 80 or so survive. Originally bodied as a limousine by Thrupp and Maberly, chassis number 'YR5094' was sent directly to Singapore where its Chinese owner used the Bentley for sporting adventures with his lady friends; the Bentley becoming known as 'The Harem Saloon'. During WW2, the Bentley was walled up inside a mine, returning to the UK in the late 1940s/early 1950s. Owned by a Mr Peter Quinn, the car received the UK registration mark 'NLH 43', which it retains today. Mr Quinn removed the original body but kept the original bonnet and scuttle.

He sold the Bentley to marque stalwart Peter Morley, most remembered for his endeavours with the Napier Bentley not to mention many more successful WO competition specials. Morley shortened the chassis to a wheelbase of 10' 10", fitted a stylish 2 seater body and raced the Bentley very successfully with the Vintage Sports-Car Club for a number of years.
The car's next owner, a Mr Posnett, dismantled it and re-lengthened the chassis to its 12' wheelbase. He kept 'NLH 43' until 2002 when, still dismantled, it was bought by John Cobbing, who commissioned The Vintage Workshop (Wayne Huckle) to undertake its restoration, in the course of which the car was re-bodied as a four-seater, two-door tourer, complete with Gurney Nutting-style helmet wings.

The chassis was restored to its original specifications, being rewired and rebuilt with new bushes, pins, etc, while the original one-shot lubrication system was overhauled. The engine was rebuilt with new valves, valve guides, water pump, front and rear water plates, oil drain tubes, etc, and fitted with a new bottom three-throw drive gear. Fully checked and sorted, the original crankshaft was kept due to its amazing condition, while the main bearings were cleaned and ground to approx. 0.012" undersize. New bronzes were made and re-white metalled, and it was decided to use new connecting rods and modern shell bearings - the best of both worlds. A complete new clutch lining and discs were fitted. All new bearings were used, and the crankcase and sump machined to accept modern oil seals.

The carburettors were stripped and rebuilt with new jets, needles, cork washers, etc, while the
Auto-Vac was similarly overhauled with new valves, seals, internals, etc. Renowned expert Tony Stairs rebuilt the magneto. A new ignition coil, points, and condenser were fitted, and the distributor overhauled. A new exhaust system was made with a 3" straight-through section as per the original design, while the silencer is straight-through with a centre baffle. The radiator was fully restored with a new core and re-chromed outer shell, while two new Kenlowe electric fans were fitted to improve cooling. The original fan assembly has been retained, although not fitted at the present time.

The gearbox was stripped and checked; all gears were found to be in excellent condition, and new bearings were used throughout the rebuild. The rear axle was dismantled, stripped and inspected, and the nosepiece removed. New half-shafts were fitted together with new wheel bearings, etc. A new crown wheel and pinion was designed and fitted, and the car now boasts a 3.21:1 final drive ratio giving it long legs on the motorway and also around country lanes without the need for an overdrive.

The front axle was stripped and new kingpins and bushes fitted. Stub axles were crack-tested and found to be sound. New wheel bearings and felt washers, etc were installed. Two original wheels were restored with new outer rims and spokes, then four new wheels were commissioned and built. Found to be in excellent condition, the steering column was dismantled and rebuilt with all new bearings. The brake servo too was dismantled and found to require a new leather seal and brass fingered disc underneath. All components were cleaned and the servo overhauled.

Following the restoration's completion, the Bentley's owner enjoyed numerous trips, including to Le Mans where the car was able to stretch its legs, behaving impeccably with no problems. A previous participant of the BDC Concours (2011 & 2012) plus the Chateau d'O Concours in Northern France (2014), and a familiar visitor to many a BDC Silverstone Race Meeting. Having enjoyed the Bentley tremendously the current owner has decided that the car should to pass to a new custodian, hence the decision to sell. Offered with a UK V5C registration Certificate, this magnificent 8-Litre would surely be welcome at any of the numerous celebrations planned for Bentley's 100th Anniversary in 2019.

8 litre Bentley
Registration Number: NLH 43 ~ Chassis No: YR5094 ~ Engine number: YR5094
Price: £780,000

History
This magnificent 8-litre is one of only 100 cars produced by W.O. Bentley of which only approximately 80 survive.

The car was originally produced as a Thrupp and Maberly limousine and sent directly to Singapore where it was used by a Chinese Mau owner, who used it to visit the races with his girlfriends (the car became known as the Harem Saloon). It was walled up in a mine during the War and after it finished was sent to England in the late 40s. The new owner, a Peter Quinn, gave the car its first registeration number NLH 43 which the car retains today. He removed the original body but kept the original bonnet and scuttle from the car. The next owner, a Peter Morley shortened the chassis to 10' 10" and raced the car very successfully. It was then sold to a farmer, Mr Posnett, who took the car to pieces and re-lengthened her to 12' where the car sat until 2002. The car was then bought by the present owner John Cobbing in 2002 who undertook the rebuild and restoration and re-bodied it as a gentleman’s tourer.

She now sports an open style body with Gurney Nutting style wings When the car was picked up from the previous owner a (Mr Posnit) it was completely dismantled and in various places of his work shop. There was no sign of the body or front part of the scuttle so we would presume it has been disposed of.

The car was returned to our workshop where the owner decided to design and restore the car as a gentleman’s open tourer. The car has had a new set of helmet wings designed in a Gurney Nutting style.

The chassis was rebuilt with new bushes pins etc. and re-piped with its original one shot lubrication system, re-wired and restored to its original specifications.

Work carried out during restoration:

Engine
The engine was rebuilt with new valves, valve guides, new water pump, new front and rear water plates, new oil drain tubes etc.

New bottom three throw drive gear. The original crank was kept due to its amazing condition. This was fully checked and sorted, and the main bearings on the crank shaft were cleaned up and ground to approx. 0.012" under size. Then new bronzes were made and re-white metal was done. A decision was taken to use new connecting rods and put them on modern shells, giving the car the best of both worlds. A complete new clutch lining and discs were fitted. All new bearings were used and the crank case and sump was machined for modern oil seals replacing the leakey acme threads.

The carburettors were striped and rebuilt with new jets, needled, cork washers etc.

The auto vac was striped and restored fitting new valves and seals, internal mechanism etc.

The magneto was re-built by the renowned magneto expert Tony Stairs.

A new coil, points, condenser were fitted and the distributor overhauled.

Gear Box
The gear box was striped and condition checked. All the gears were found to be in excellent condition. All new bearings were used in the rebuild of the gear box.

Rear Axle
The rear axle was dismantled and the nose piece was removed. It was then stripped and inspected. A new crown wheel and pinion was designed and fitted. The car now boasts a 3.21 : 1 ratio. This gives the car very good long legs on the motorway and also around the country lanes without the need of an overdrive. New half shafts were fitted and new wheel bearings, etc.

Front Axle
The front axle was stripped and new king pins and bushes were fitted. Stub axles were crack tested which came back okay. New wheel bearings and felt washers etc.

Steering Column
The steering column was dismantled and rebuilt with all new bearings. The condition was found to be excellent.

Servo
The servo was dismantled and found to require a new leather seal and brass fingered disc underneath. All components were cleaned and the servo full overhauled.

Exhaust System
A new exhaust system was made with a 3" straight through as per original design. The silencer was made straight through with a centre baffle.

Wheels
Two original wheels were restored with new outer rims and spokes, then 4 new wheels were commissioned and built up to order.

Radiator
The radiator was fully restored with a new core and re-chromed on the shell.

Two new Kenlowe fans were fitted to help with cooling. The car still retains its original fan assembly although not fitted at the present time.

Summing up
Since the complete restoration the present owner has enjoyed numerus trips down to Le Mans where the car was able to stretch her legs. We were told she behaved impeccably with no problems.

We ourselves have had the pleasure of driving her to several BDC events, where the car again preformed perfectly.

The present owner has now decided, at the age of 78, that he would like to pass the car on to a new custodian, so it may be used to its full potential.

1931 8-Litre Vintage Bentley chassis no. YR5094 at BDC Silverstone 2016

Bentley Drivers Club Silverstone, August 2016

The following information was received from Wayne Huckle:

Where car is located: Nr Sleaford Lincolnshire England
You are a: Dealer
Year: 1931
Chassis no: YR5094
Engine no: YR5094
Registration no: NLH 43
Asking price: £850,000.00

Bentley 8 Litre
Chassis No: YR5094 ~ Engine No: YR5094 ~ Reg No: NLH 43

History:
This magnificent 8 litre is one of only 100 cars produced by W O Bentley.

The car was originally a Thrubb and Maberly limousine, sent directly to Singapore and used by a Chinese Mau owner, who used it to visit the races with his girlfriends (the car become known as the harem Saloon).

It was walled up in a mine during the war and after it finished was sent to England in the late 1940s.

The new owner Peter Quinn registered it NLH 43 and removed the original body but kept the original bonnet and scuttle.

The next owner was Peter Morley who shortened the chassis to 10’10’’ and raced the car successfully, it was then sold to Mr Posnett who took the car to pieces and re-lengthened the chassis to 12’ where the car sat until 2002.

The car was then bought by the present owner in 2002 who undertook the rebuild, restoration and re-body of the car as a gentleman’s tourer with Gurney Nutting style wings.

Price: £850,000

"Pictures of John Cobbing's magnificent 8L which I took at the Chateau d'O in Northern France in 2014."

This car is presently owned by John Cobbing.

"Herewith a photograph I took of my friend John Cobbing's car, which you are welcome to use on your website. This is 8 Litre YR5094, Reg No NLH 43 taken at BDC Silverstone 2010." (John Cobbing also owns chassis NT3149.)

"Dear VintageBentleys.org, I have been trawling through my Vintage Bentley files and came across the attached photo of the chassis YR5094 which I took in 2002. The location was the farm of a Mr Posnett. I hope this will be useful addition to the car's history file. It saddens me to think that as soon as the car complete with its original limousine coachwork by Thrupp and Maberly arrived in the U.K circa 1951, the body was removed and the car turned into a two seater racer. From my notes I see that Pope's Garage of Anson Road Singapore had built and installed a cocktail cabinet in the car sometime earlier. It was Freddy Pope of Pope's Garage who arranged the shipment to U.K in circa 1951.

I am seeking photos of YR5094 with its original Thrupp and Maberly coachwork. Can anyone out there help?"

"Peter Morley with NLH 43 in 2 seater form. at Layer Marney Tower (not sure when)."