The final model launched by Bentley before the company’s collapse in 1931 (and its subsequent rescue from receivership by Rolls-Royce in November of that year) was the 8 Litre, a behemoth of a saloon boasting 7983cc straight-six power – and enough torque to enable it to accelerate effortlessly in top gear from a walking pace.
When the 8 Litre made its debut at the 1930 London Motor Show, its output of 220bhp was hugely impressive by standards of the time.
The newcomer’s list price of £1850 also generated headlines, as this was one of the most expensive cars on sale that year.
But its timing could have been better, with the onset of the Great Depression (following the stock market crash of October 1929) having a major impact on worldwide sales of luxury cars.
