“100 miles per hour speed with 100 percent comfort and docility.” This proclamation was made in an advertisement that appeared for the Bentley 8-Litre in the April 17th, 1931 issue of Autocar magazine, touting the performance of what Bentley claimed was, “The world’s finest car”. Nearly a century later, many enthusiasts today agree. These are bold statements, especially when, in 1931, cars like the Duesenberg, Rolls-Royce Phantom ll, Hispano-Suzia H6C 8-Litre, Cadillac V-16, and several other magnificent automobiles were being made. The 8-Litre was W.O. Bentley’s finest grand tourer. It was also the last car he designed for Bentley Motors.
In the 1920s, W.O. Bentley’s cars had earned a solid reputation and were highly competitive in sporting events, including the first winning of the 24 Hour Le Mans race for a British car in 1924 and subsequently winning four more times before 1931.
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