The 8-Litre Bentley was the culmination of W.O’s work. The plan had been to move away from more sporty cars and build a large, luxury saloon car to compete with Rolls Royce. It was a commercial decision that resulted in disaster for W.O. The 8-Litre was hugely expensive and the stock market crash of 1929 meant demand fell — the company went into liquidation in 1931. A hundred 8-Litres were built, 79 survive today. Fifteen are on this historic rally.

The car park is filled with 8 Litres — they’ve come from all over Europe, the US and Australia to participate in this historic rally. The Weibel family in Switzerland are our organisers. Werner has owned a number of Bentleys. Six years ago his son and daughter-in-law, Franco and Kathy, organised a very successful Blower Bentley rally. It has taken them roughly two years to pull the 8-Litre event together. The idea, says Franco, was a "no brainer" and it’s a magnificent achievement.