Up for sale is this 1988 Bentley Eight sedan, finished in black over a tan leather interior, powered by a 6.75 liter V8 running through a 3-speed automatic transmission, with 50,868 miles on the clock.

This clean example was considered the “entry level” Bentley when introduced, and also quite popular, with 1,736 produced from 1984 to 1992. It was priced below the Bentley Mulsanne upon which it was based, with the mesh grill being the quick identifying trait. It also featured a stiffer suspension for sharper handling, with the premise that this was the Bentley that the owner drove instead of riding in back, being the “affordable” version.

It also shared the chassis and bodywork with the Rolls Royce Silver Spur, back when the two companies were still partners, before being bought and split apart by the larger German manufacturers in 1998.

While both Bentley and Rolls Royce enjoy continued success in today’s market, this Bentley Eight is a product of the Old World European approach to automotive production. Assembled primarily by skilled craftsmen, with a distinct lack of automation, and features an interior that exemplifies the best British luxury brief – Burled Walnut everywhere, liberal use of thick supple leather, deep wool carpeting, abundant chromed metal trim, and all motivated by a big lazy V8 with adequate power.

This specific example is clean and in fine mechanical condition, ready to go, providing the next owner with a great opportunity to indulge themselves for a very reasonable price.

The exterior of this Bentley Eight is in very good condition, an original finish with some minor scratches when viewed up close, but with notable depth and shine. Panel gaps are properly aligned and tight, with consistent color tint across all panels. Up front, the grill is in excellent condition, with the expected mirror finish on the chrome, no cosmetic flaws on the mesh grill, and a clean hood ornament. The bumper is free from scrapes or contact damage, though the appearance of the rubber is slightly dull but consistent. The chrome trim strip under the front headlights show some minor pitting on close inspection, and the passenger side sealed low beam headlight appears to have some fade in the chrome reflector. Wiper arms also have some chipping and color fade.

In back, the badges and chrome trim are all in very good condition, properly placed and aligned/ The rear bumper condition mirrors the front, with no contact damage with a slightly dull finish on the rubber components.

Along the sides, the Bentley is free from dings or dents. The door handles and rear view mirrors all have excellent chrome finishes with depth and shine, as well as all window trim.

Wheels are the factory 15” alloys, and are free from scrapes or curb rash, with the overall finish slightly dulled from age but consistent.

The interior of the Eight is in very good condition overall, with some mild patina from use in spots, but clean and in proper operating condition. The driver seat surface has some color wear visible on the edge of the outer seatback bolster, and mild wrinkling where the seatback and seat bottom meet, but seat support is still firm and free from sagging. The front passenger seat has some mild patina but has consistent color, and has no sagging or issues with padding. Seating surfaces in the rear are excellent, with little evidence of use, though an indent in the leather of the folding armrest is visible.

Instrumentation and controls on the instrument panel are in excellent cosmetic and operating condition. All printed labels are free from fade or scratches, and the walnut trim is excellent, with deep gloss and shine, and no cracks or color fade. Rear seat controls and wood trim are in very good condition, though some scratches and chips in the walnut are visible.

The fuel-injected, 6.75 liter V8 and 3-speed automatic are in excellent condition, with no drivability issues, and smooth operation. The engine bay is clean and shows no evidence of leaks or drips, and all hoses, belts, and fuel lines looking clean and recently serviced.

Underneath, the chassis is in excellent condition, with no sign of leaking visible from the drivetrain. Corrosion is minimal, though it is noted that the rear spring carriers have some rust visible that would eventually need to be addressed.