1931 Bentley 8 Litre Sedan 1929 Isotta Fraschini

Classic Car Restoration on cars like the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Sedan and the Isotta Fraschini was going strong in the 1980s and 1990s.

I was working with Walt Johnsen back then and these two particular cars were among those that we restored. His business was "The Auto Shop" on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The 1931 8 Litre Bentley was a complete restoration that we did. Terry Foss was apprenticing with us at the time.

Dave Loeington did the Mechanical and wiring, Dave had to manufacture a lot of the components to get this car up and running in the fashion that Bentleys are known for.

Don Volgosang took care of the bright work and chrome trim,

Kirk Person who was the best of the best in his trade, did the Upholstery. He was an all around, nice, easy going guy. It was a tremendous loss to the car community when he passed.

The Isotta Fraschini was more of a cosmetic, or body restoration in "The Auto Shop". I did make a new fuel tank for the car, in the original fashion, with the leaded seams etc. The 1929 Isotta-Fraschini is a Tipo 8A with limousine bodywork by Castagna of Milan. The marque and the coachbuilder were a great combination among European luxury cars. This is one of the very few Isotta-Fraschinis to have come to the United State in the 30s. The Tipo 8A's massive straight-eight, displacing 7,370cc, was just under 450 cubic inches and produced 110hp.

Both of these cars were owned by Al McEwan and Dick Hooper of Seattle area. They have both subsequently been sold. Jay Leno purchased the 1931 8 Litre Bently and the Isotta Fraschini went to Mort Bullock, pictured here from left to right, Al, Mort, And Dick, standing in front of the Isotta Fraschini.

We didn't have many pictures of the Bentley 8 Litre, but this one is interesting in that it shows the turnbuckle system on the bottom of the frame. Over time a large car like this would tend to sag from all the weight. This system would correct sag. The top was covered with leather that had to come from a very large bovine.

Here is a picture of the Bentley in Suite 200 in Kirkland before Jay Leno took ownership.