1931' Bentley 8 Litre Tourer

1931 8 Litre Bentley Tourer.

Chassis number: YR5094
Registration number: NLH43

One of a Pair of similar 8 litres we have in stock.

"The Harem Saloon"

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 car was subsequently bought by the last owner but one; John Cobbing in 2002 who undertook the rebuild and restoration and re-bodied it as a gentleman’s tourer.

The car was returned to the restorers where the previous 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:

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 stripped and rebuilt with new jets, needles, cork washers etc.

The auto vac was stripped 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.

The gear box was stripped 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Since the complete restoration the previous owner enjoyed numerus trips down to Le Mans where the car was able to stretch it's legs. We were told it behaved impeccably with no problems.

The car has been put on the market due to the age of the 78year old former owner who had commissioned the restoration.

Office 01375 379719
Richard Biddulph 07967 260673
Christoff Cowens 07772188037

We accept Credit/Debit Cards.
Part Exchange welcome.
Weekend & evening viewings OK.
Viewings by appointment :

Prestige House.
9 Globe Industrial Estate,
Grays, Essex, RM17 6ST