Following four consecutive wins at Le Mans, Bentley introduced its magnificent Eight Litre model at the Olympia Motor Show in October 1930. A December 1930 The Autocar magazine review summarized it as “motoring in its very highest form,” and went on to remark that “the dominant note of the new Bentley is its tremendous performance.” Its massive engine incorporated the latest technology – including four valves per cylinder, dual ignition, and a crankcase made of Elektron alloy – and was conservatively rated at 220 hp. This combination delivered on W.O. Bentley’s desire to build “a dead silent 100 mph car.”

In a majestic collection dominated by the true behemoths of American prewar car production, such as an Olds Limited and 10-liter Simplex, only the biggest Bentleys could carry themselves among this crowd. This Eight Litre Drophead Coupe carries a provenance that matches its weighty stature, having been within three major collections since the 1940s.

The standard Bentley factory record notes the first owner simply as “J.H. Whitney.” A second letter on file notes Mr. Whitney to have been in care of the famed Claridges Hotel in London’s West End. It is not entirely clear, but it is believed that this was John Hay “Jock” Whitney, who studied at Oxford University in 1926 and 1927 – a period when the Bentley Boys exploits would have gained many column inches in their heyday, and may well have inspired him to acquire one. On the death of his father in 1927, John Hay Whitney inherited some $20 million – ample resources to have purchased an Eight Litre.

Windovers coachbuilder records note the work on this example to have been completed on March 20, 1931. The bodywork was finished in black cellulose with a fine yellow line and fitted with two spare wheels. Its interior was of cloth fabric. They list the buyer as “James” Whitney, which may be a typographical error.

The build sheets record that a crown wheel and pinion for this car were sent to Clifford Shea in 1932. Mr. Shea may have been a second owner, or someone maintaining the car for Mr. Whitney. In 1938, the Bentley factory records show the car to have passed into the hands of C.T. Rodermond, the President of the Morris Basin Dry Docks, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

For the remainder of its life, this example would reside in three major collections. The first was that of Briggs Cunningham, who acquired the Bentley in 1949 from Charlie Stich’s Garage in the East 60s in Manhattan – likely selling on behalf of Mr. Rodermond. According to correspondence, pioneering car restorer Ralph Buckley was entrusted to refurbish the car in the late 1940s. At this time, the windshield was tastefully lowered and the trunk with which it was originally fitted was removed, and twin spares were mounted to the back of the car to make it more sporting, a la the SSK Mercedes. Invoices on file also mention a repaint to the current British Racing Green, and while not fully legible it appears that the interior was only cleaned rather than refurbished.

William Harrah and his team of scouts sourced the Windovers Bentley for their collection in 1963. This fine example remained with the Harrah Collection for some 21 years before being offered at auction in 1984, when Stan Lucas acquired it.

During Mr. Lucas’ ownership, this imposing Eight Litre was initially shown at Pebble Beach in 1987, but its public appearances remained relatively modest over the following 28 years. Jim Stranberg at High Mountain Classics in Colorado carried out some engine work in 2000; correspondence mentions new pistons, suggesting that the engine was rebuilt, but no further details are noted. Its single repaint has now aged gracefully, but the interior cloth, which may well be original to the car, is in need of refurbishment.

Viewed today, this Bentley Eight Litre presents a fabulous opportunity for a restoration that would befit its heritage and looks. Such an exercise would almost certainly provide a showstopping result, giving it enormous potential at top-level concours.