1947 Bentley Speed 8
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Year of manufacture1947
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Mileage3 704 km / 2 302 mi
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Car typeConvertible / Roadster
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Reference number369383318
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DriveLHD
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ConditionUsed
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Number of doors2
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Location
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Exterior colourRed
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GearboxManual
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Drivetrain2wd
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Fuel typePetrol
Description
Registration number: DZ-79-05
*Bentley Speed 8 "Peking to Paris" – The Ultimate Rally Bentley?*
What happens when you combine the elegance of a classic Bentley, the brutality of a pre-war Le Mans racer, and the rugged endurance of a modern rally car? You get the Bentley Speed 8 "Peking to Paris". A machine built to push boundaries.
This is not a Bentley that sits in a climate-controlled garage, only to be taken out for a Sunday drive. This is a purpose-built rally machine, designed to conquer everything from dusty Mongolian trails to snow-covered Alpine passes. A car that thunders over cobblestone streets just as effortlessly as it charges down a racetrack.
And the best part? It was built to perform reliably in the world's toughest rallies. The only question is: are you ready for the challenge?
*From Elegant Sports Saloon to Pure Rally Machine*
This Bentley began its journey in 1947 as a Bentley MkVI Sports Saloon, finished in blue with a matching blue leather interior. A sophisticated grand tourer delivered new in 1947. After passing through several owners, the car eventually ended up in the hands of Racing Green Engineering, the undisputed experts in Bentley Specials.
What did they do? They transformed it. Completely.
And not just any transformation—perfection is what they do best.
- The original chassis was retained as the foundation, but that’s where the similarities end.
- A completely new body, inspired by the Speed Six tourers of the legendary Bentley Boys.
- A traditional ash wood frame, just like Bentley used in their golden era.
- Double-layered canvas roof and full tonneau cover for all-weather capability.
- Laminated safety glass and nickel-plated details to complete the period-correct aesthetic.
The result? A Bentley that looks like it just roared out of Le Mans in 1930, but with the engineering and endurance to tackle a 14,000-km rally without hesitation.
*The Fantastic Eight-Cylinder Engine*
Beneath that long, imposing hood lies a true beast: the Rolls-Royce/Bentley B80 straight-eight.
- 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder, overhead valve design with dry-sump lubrication.
- Four SU H6 carburetors, delivering optimal air-fuel mixture.
- Four-speed Bentley gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears.
- High-ratio crown wheel and pinion for long-distance, high-speed cruising.
This is not your standard Bentley engine. The B80 was originally designed for military vehicles, Rolls-Royce Phantom IVs, and even served as the foundation for Vanwall Formula 1 engines. In short, this is a power plant built for endurance and performance.
*Built for Peking to Paris – and Beyond!*
The Bentley Speed 8 is fully equipped for serious endurance rallying. Key features include:
- Dual fuel tanks for long-distance stages without refueling.
- Underbody protection for extra safety on rough terrain.
- Integrated air compressor for on-the-fly tire pressure adjustments.
- Reinforced chassis and high-mounted exhaust, essential for extreme terrains.
- Illuminated engine bay, a crucial advantage for nighttime maintenance during rallies.
The interior is just as impressive:
- Heated leather sports seats – luxury and comfort, even in Siberian winters.
- Fully aluminum dashboard – classic dials with a rally-ready layout.
- Handcrafted leather carpets – because even a rally Bentley should be stylish.
*A Rally Legend in the Spirit of the Bentley Boys*
This Bentley Speed 8 is anything but an ordinary classic. It’s a car that celebrates Bentley’s history, from the 6½ Litre Speed Six to the 21st-century Speed 8 Le Mans winners.
With Racing Green Engineering’s impeccable craftsmanship, a fully restored 1947 chassis, an engine that feels straight out of a war machine, and all the modern upgrades for endurance rallying, this is a Bentley unlike any other.
Whether you’re entering the Peking to Paris Rally, the Mille Miglia, or simply enjoying a spirited weekend drive, this is the Bentley that can do it all.
An opportunity like this? It won’t come again.
*Contact Us Today*
Interested in this incredible Bentley Speed 8 "Peking to Paris"? Contact us today, and we’ll be delighted to assist you.
Gallery Aaldering has been a family-run business since 1975, dedicated to sourcing and offering only the finest and most exclusive automobiles.
International buyer? No problem. We have extensive experience exporting vehicles worldwide and can handle the entire process for you. Get in touch now to explore the possibilities.
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