The penultimate 8 Litre built Matching numbers A car of great style by The Mayfair Carriage Company of Kilburn An older restoration which is still in very good condition Full history and provenance known from new to present day A former concours winner One of the most attractive closed coachwork options on this chassis The majority of Bentley 8 Litres were fitted with formal, heavy four-door saloon or limousine coachwork, so it is rare to find one built to the very sporting specification exhibited by Chassis No YX 5124. This very rare short-chassis example is a very handsome two door fixed head coupé by The Mayfair Carriage Company. Chronicled as the second to last 8 Litre built, YX5124 has a complete and known history from new with a remarkable provenance. It is believed to be one of only three 8 Litre Short Chassis Fixed Head coupés and according to Bentley archives as well as a host of documentation accompanying the car, was first delivered to a Mr. C.G. Hayward in June of 1932, supplied by Jack Barclay Ltd. The car was originally finished in light grey with a brown leather interior. Its next owner was Mr. H.J. Thomas who purchased the car in October 1933 again from Jack Barclay Ltd for £800. Mr Thomas was a Director of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Further records indicate the car was off the road from 1940 to 1948, and then it reappeared, passing through the ownership of two English collectors before being purchased in 1957 by Captain G.C. Blundell who owned YX5124 until 1983. The following owner commissioned a complete restoration and rebuild by a renowned Bentley specialist restorer in the UK, Mr Stanley Mann. During the restoration, proper care was taken to ensure that the coachwork remained well preserved and properly restored, and that all mechanical components were completely overhauled. A photographic record of the work is contained within the history file. Chassis No YX5124 made many appearances at Bentley Driver’s Club events, as well as the Kensington Garden Concours where it won the coveted Best Vintage Bentley award in 1985. Johnnie Green, the Bentley author and acknowledged Bentley expert, confided in Captain Blundell that “he was absolutely delighted and said that he had never judged or seen a more worthy or a better champion”. Chassis No YX5124 retains its original engine and coachwork, is equipped with a full complement of tools, a sliding sunroof which is extremely simple to operate as well as a series of logbooks dating from 1945. Although an older restoration, the car still presents beautifully. It is finished in dark green and black, a colour combination that subtly highlights the stylish lines of the coachwork. Mechanically speaking the car is also in excellent condition and performs with distinction on the road. It comes fully serviced and prepared for trouble free use. With its exceptional rarity, outstanding provenance, beautiful lines and its lovely older restored condition, this 8 Litre short chassis coupé is an exceptionally handsome representative of Bentley’s imposing masterpiece and one that would grace any collection.