New PAS member, trying to learn more about late (1930+) cars

Hey everyone!

I’m on the hunt for a prewar car in the next few years (finances aren’t quite there yet), even my wife likes the idea!  I’ve mostly been looking at “Derby” Bentleys (1930s, the first Bentleys built after Rolls-Royce acquired them) as I’ve been an RROC member for a few years, and have just had more access to the cars and the people, and from lots of reading it seems like a late Derby will do what I want to do, and are generally priced where I can at least comprehend it.

But I also still have a soft spot for American cars of the era, and after a little discussion over on the AACA forums it seems like Pierce Arrow would likely also be a solid choice, and I’m a sucker for a big V12 (though I’m not saying I wouldn’t take an 8cyl car if the right one came up)
So I figured I’d join PAS and see what I can learn, would love to get a chance to interact with the cars some

I have 2 kids currently 8 and 11 and I’d really like to get something soon enough that they can still enjoy it so hoping to get something in <5 years.  Obviously need a sedan or at least a coupe with 4 real seats (i.e. I don’t want a “rumble seat” car).  I actually kind of like some of the 7 passenger sedans since it would give us extra room when we have family staying with us etc.

I’m always most interested in driving cars, not showing them, or having a “collection” so part of why I’m focusing on later cars is having something that could reasonably be driven longer distances, maintain “modern” speeds (yes, I know braking, handling etc aren’t going to be modern), etc.  A 36+ car with factory overdrive is pretty intriguing. So I’m mostly here for some general introduction and ideas of what to look for and avoid.

Some specific questions I do have though

1) How is the relative performance of the 8 vs the 12 in an otherwise similar car?  I gather the 12s perform pretty well (and the 24hr speed record thing is really cool)  but haven’t seen much about the 8.   I know neither will have quick acceleration by modern standards, but ability to hold speed, gearing etc is important.

For reference, the Bentleys I’m considering in the earlier cars were geared to cruise at 70mph at 3,500rpm, though as “continental” touring became more common Bentley revised the gearing for 90mph at 3,500rpm “with reasonable economy” (not sure what their definition of “reasonable” was, but, that’s what they said).  From what I’ve read elsewhere, the 12 can probably do that (if geared properly) without a problem… Will the 8s be able to?  Not that I’m going to be “cruising” at 90 all that often, but the idea of that being a design parameter is reassuring.

2) While I’d imagine the 12 is more maintenance intensive than the 8, are there any specific downfalls of the 12 other than the basic added complexity of 4 extra cylinders?  Are the 12s less robust in any way?  Are the parts substantially harder to source? etc.

For a little added context:  This would be my first pre-war car, but I do have experience with other older cars, I have a 55 Jaguar, and 59 MGA Race car, and have worked quite a bit on C2 Corvettes as both my dad and brother have one.  I do mostly my own mechanical work, and have a degree in mechanical engineering with automotive specialty.  I have a pretty well equipped 2,000sqft garage, with a 2 post lift, etc so I’m generally not too intimidated by mechanical work, though I do want to start with a car that’s a “solid driver”  not a full restoration.  I’m also reasonably comfortable with interior work.  I have never done body or paint work.