Coachwork by Racing Green Engineering Ltd.
Chassis: B125JN
Engine: B187RG
Brilliant Design and Construction by Racing Green Engineering Ltd.
Iconic Body Style and Accoutrements Inspired by Bentley’s Victorious Speed Six
Documented Bentley Mk VI Chassis and Four-Carb B80 Straight-Eight Engine
Currently UK Registered with Little Use Since Recent Completion
Accompanied by Purchase Invoice and Operating Instructions
Currently enjoying its historic Centennial Era, the legendary marque created by W.O. Bentley was firmly established with a prototype motorcar engine designed, built, and tested in a mews off London’s famed Baker Street in 1919. Unyielding development and a relentless drive for perfection almost immediately yielded a stunning competition record throughout Great Britain and Europe, including five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans through 1930. Evocative images of Bentley’s heroic Vanden Plas touring-bodied racecars of this glorious era continue to electrify legions of enthusiasts today, spurring demand for expertly rendered recreations and specials including the compelling example offered here, designed and built by the renowned Racing Green Engineering Ltd. of Wales, a firm of passionate specialists established by Peris Edwards and son-in-law Nigel Holmes.
Based on an original 1950 Bentley Mk VI chassis, numbered B125JN, this B Special Speed 8 pays wonderful homage to W.O. Bentley and the marque’s glory days as a thrilling tribute to the legendary original Speed Six. The beautifully constructed bodywork was handcrafted using the original construction techniques, a lightweight ash frame covered in aluminum panels and black fabric. Metal body surfaces are finished in lovely black paintwork and the matching interior compartment is trimmed in high-quality leather, equipped with heated front bucket seats and quality close-weave carpets. Highlights include nickel-plated brightwork, a fold-flat windscreen with laminated safety glass, elemental cycle fenders, a high-capacity fuel tank, headlamp stone guards, fishtail exhaust outlet, extensive instrumentation, a double layer folding top, and full tonneau cover.
Based on a famously robust original Mk VI chassis frame equipped with Luvax Bijur central lubrication, this B Special Speed 8 features ample power delivered by a Rolls-Royce B-Series OHV inline eight-cylinder engine displacing 5,675 cc and equipped with competition-type dry sump oiling and four sidedraft SU H.6 carburetors. A large-bore stainless steel exhaust system removes spent combustion gases and delivers an amazing soundtrack with straight-through construction. Power is delivered via a heavy duty, single dry-plate clutch to a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and top gears. Other mechanical highlights include upgraded front and rear road springs, quick-ratio cam and roller steering, and hydraulic front and mechanical rear drum brakes, assisted by a mechanically driven servo. Upgraded brake shoes and front cooling ducts enhance stopping power. The 12-volt electrical system was designed with reliability and ease of service in mind, using an upgraded alternator and a safety cut-out switch located inside the rear luggage compartment.
Offered on behalf of the consignor, who purchased the vehicle directly from Racing Green Engineering Ltd. in March 2020, this adventurous B Special Speed 8 is a simply thrilling find at auction. Documentation is comprehensive and excellent, including the original Racing Green purchase invoice listing a wide array of originally specified features and options delivering an excellent driving and ownership experience. Supporting documents include detailed pictorial operating instructions and copies of the Bentley chassis records confirming the original identity and specifications of chassis B125JN. Ready to admire and enjoy as intended, this wonderful B Special Speed 8 is currently UK-registered with MOT V5 registration. As once written by famed automobile journalist David E. Davis Jr. in a Forbes magazine article, “What is the highest tribute one can pay a noble, inspired . . . classic automobile? Simple, old boy, drive the bloody thing.” Those words still ring true, epitomized by this B Special Speed 8 by British Racing Green Engineering Ltd.
*Please note that this lot is currently located in the UK. It is UK registered and has a UK DVLA issued V5C. For further information, please contact concierge@goodingco.com.
*Please note that the Seller of this Lot is a private individual.
Important Notice Regarding Registration Information: As set forth more fully in the General Conditions, the Buyer is responsible for determining the relevant taxes and duties payable, as well as any import regulations that may apply, and for examining any and all documentation pertaining to the title or registration provided by the Seller and made available by Gooding prior to the Auction, and for determining whether a Vehicle is or can be registered. To assist the Buyer in making such determinations, Gooding provides the information herein regarding the tax or registration status of a lot, as well as any ownership or registration papers that may be supplied with it. This information is provided solely as a helpful reference to the Buyer. It should not be relied upon or substituted for the Buyer’s own due diligence. Gooding is not responsible for any errors or omissions regarding information provided herein, as set forth more fully in the General Conditions.
