The blue-grey livery gives it the appearance of a virtual machine ... And yet no! The Bentley Speed ​​8 is real, it is even sold as a kit for €12,300. At this price, the body differs very little from the original, at least visually. Materials and mechanics are of course smaller than the authentic prototype, but the illusion is almost perfect.

The Bentley Speed ​​8's victory in 2003 was remembered as one of the most desirable cars to win in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The English machine , recognisable by its green colour scheme, is publicly displayed on very rare occasions , which makes ​​it even more attractive. Recently, the young company of Aeromaster has made  available a replica ... Or almost .

Based in Sofia, the Bulgarian company has recreated an almost 1:1 scale prototype . The fibreglass body is mounted on a tubular chassis which  faithfully mimics the carbon monocoque , while a Renault V6 PRV  providing 136 hp replaces modestly the V8 bi -turbo giving 600 hp from Audi . With a total weight of 800 kg , the replica still offers a power to weight ratio the same as a Golf GTI. Externally , the illusion is almost perfect .

The chassis which comes in 12 pieces is sold for € 5,800 onto which must be added € 1,500 and € 1,200 for windows and the rear wing . The frame is in turn sold for € 3000 with two options of € 800 for the shock absorbers.  Added together  the price comes to € 12,300 excluding engine . Then, a 4.2-litre V8 Audi maybe could be adaptable to the body.

Information : : aero-master.com

Julien HERGAULT / ACO