1:18 AUTOart Bentley Speed 8 #8 2003 Le Mans 24Hr Herbert Brabham Blundell 80353

The 1:18 AUTOart Bentley Speed 8 #8 2003 Le Mans 24Hr Herbert Brabham Blundell 80353 is a green diecast model of a Bentley LeMans racecar driven by Herbert Brabham Blundell in the 2003 LeMans race. It is part of the AUTOart Racing Divisions series and includes a stand.

The 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours featured some of the most memorable moments in endurance racing history. The Speed 8 #8, which raced under the banner of the Bentley Motorsport team, was one of the standout entries of that year.

This car, a Bentley Speed 8, was a prototype that made its return to Le Mans after a 73-year hiatus for the brand. The team was aiming for a historic win, and they achieved just that, with the Bentley Speed 8 #7 securing first place overall. However, the Speed 8 #8, driven by Tom Kristensen, Giampaolo Morelli, and Johnny Herbert, played a crucial role in the team’s success, securing second place overall in the race.

Here are some key details about the Bentley Speed 8 #8:

• Chassis: The Speed 8 was powered by a 4.0L V8 turbocharged engine, which gave it immense power and speed on the straights.
• Performance: The car had a top speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h), which was a significant factor in its success during the 24-hour race.
• Team: The team was led by Bentley Motorsport, backed by the Volkswagen Group. The driver lineup for the #8 car included notable endurance drivers like Tom Kristensen, who is a legend at Le Mans, as well as Johnny Herbert.
• Result: Although the #8 car finished second overall, the Bentley Speed 8 #7 won, marking Bentley’s first win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1929.

It was a huge achievement for Bentley and the return of a prestigious name to Le Mans after many years. The Speed 8 was admired for its speed, endurance, and striking design, and its success helped elevate the brand’s motorsport legacy.