Bentley Motors, founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London, has a rich legacy in the automotive world, from its motorsport triumphs like 5 wins at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s to its iconic models such as the Bentley 3 Litre, Bentley Blower, and Bentley 8 Litre.
This luxury car manufacturer, now focused on sustainability with its “Beyond100” Manifesto, has undergone multiple ownership changes, from Rolls-Royce in 1931 to Volkswagen Group in 1998, introducing models like the Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga, and Mulsanne while navigating financial challenges.
Motorsport Triumphs
Racing Origins and Early Success
Bentley has a long and storied history in motorsports, with the brand racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as early as 1921. The Bentley 3 Litre, W.O. Bentley’s original vision for a ‘fast car, a good car, the best in its class’, won numerous races, including Le Mans in 1924 and 1927. The Bentley Boys and Girls, a group of extraordinary racers and adventurers, helped build the Bentley legend in the 1920s and 1930s, with 5 Le Mans wins in 8 years.
Iconic Racing Models
- The Bentley Blower 4 1/2 Litre Supercharged was the iconic racing Bentley of the pre-war era, though it was the least successful of the Cricklewood Bentleys in competition.
- The Bentley Speed Six became the most successful racing Bentley, winning Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. The ‘Blue Train’ Bentley Speed Six, driven by Woolf Barnato, raced and beat the famous Blue Train from the Côte d’Azur to Calais in 1930.
Continued Racing Heritage
| Year | Model | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | EXP Speed 8 | 3rd place finish at 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 68-year absence |
| 2003 | EXP Speed 8 | Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans |
| 2013 | Continental GT3 | Wins in Blancpain Endurance Championship and Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup |
| 2019 | Continental GT3 | Victories in British GT Championship, Blancpain GT World Challenge America, and Paul Ricard 1000km race |
Bentley’s racing heritage and success have continued to influence the brand’s design and engineering, even after Rolls-Royce acquired the company in 1931. The motorsport legacy is celebrated and incorporated into modern Bentley models like the Continental GT.
Iconic Models
Luxury Grand Tourers
The Bentley 8 Litre, W.O. Bentley’s finest grand tourer, had a guaranteed top speed of at least 100mph and was considered his masterpiece. The R-Type Continental, introduced in 1952, was a sleek, wind-cheating two-door coupe that reestablished Bentley as a maker of high-performance vehicles and created a template for Bentley grand touring that lasted for decades, inspiring the design of the first Continental GT 50 years later.
Evolving Chassis and Body Designs
- The Bentley Mark V, introduced in the late 1930s, featured independent front suspension, updating the company’s chassis design.
- The S1 Continental Flying Spur extended the Continental formula with the added practicality of four doors.
- The Bentley Arnage, produced from 1998 to 2009, was the first entirely new design for Bentley since 1980, powered by a BMW V8 engine.
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Continental Flying Spur | A four-door variant of the Continental GT, sharing the same platform as the Volkswagen Phaeton. |
| Brooklands | The name given to two distinct Bentley models Рa full-size luxury saloon launched in 1992, and a limited-production coup̩ version of the Bentley Azure made from 2008-2011. |
| Mulsanne | Named after the Mulsanne Corner of the Le Mans racing circuit, where Bentley cars have won six victories. |
Bentley’s focus on performance and luxury has led to the production of many iconic models over the years, such as the Continental R, T1, and Mulsanne, alongside modern-day icons like the Bentayga SUV, Flying Spur sedan, and the latest generations of the Continental GT coupe and GTC convertible.
Craftsmanship and Innovation
Unrivaled Craftsmanship
Bentley’s century-long tradition of unrivaled craftsmanship is evident in every car that rolls out of the Crewe factory, with thousands of highly skilled craftspeople involved in the hand-crafting process. Key areas of Bentley’s craftsmanship include:
- Veneers: Bentley uses a variety of sustainably-sourced wood veneers, with techniques like mirror-matching to create symmetrical grain patterns. They also offer non-wood options like stone and carbon fiber veneers.
- Leather: Only genuine leather is used, with around 10-15 hides going into each model. The leather is carefully selected and meticulously stitched by hand.
- Stitching and Embroidery: Much of the stitching and embroidery is done by hand, with some designs featuring up to 500,000 individual stitches. Senior craftspeople train the next generation.
- Paints: Bentley offers a wide range of paint colors and finishes, with Mulliner offering custom color matching. Painting a single Mulsanne takes a team up to 12 hours.
- Bespoke Marquetry: Bentley combines modern techniques with traditional marquetry skills to create unique inlays and designs, like the Roque Bentayga image in the Bentayga.
Embracing Innovation
While upholding its craftsmanship traditions, Bentley is constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques, like the Côte de Genève console veneer inspired by Swiss watchmaking. The brand utilizes advanced digital tools like color matching for Mulliner’s bespoke offerings.
| Innovation | Description |
|---|---|
| Intelligent Configurator | Allows customers to create their ultimate Bentley online with up to 10 billion possible product configurations per model. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Bentley’s Pyms Lane factory has implemented measures to become the world’s most sustainable luxury car maker, including reducing CO2 emissions and using hydrotreated waste vegetable oil instead of diesel. |
| Electric and Hybrid Powertrains | Bentley is on a journey towards sustainability, with concept cars featuring electric powertrains and the launch of Bentley hybrid vehicles. |
| ‘Beyond100’ Manifesto | Outlines the company’s intention to become the most sustainable luxury automotive brand in the world. |
Bentley’s craftsmanship and innovation are an ongoing story, passed down through generations of skilled workers at the Crewe factory, as the brand redefines its business model and takes an innovative approach to all aspects of luxury car manufacturing.
Conclusion
Bentley’s journey from its racing origins to becoming an iconic luxury brand is a testament to its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and innovation. The brand’s storied motorsport heritage, spanning from the 1920s triumphs at Le Mans to its recent successes in various racing series, has been a driving force behind its relentless pursuit of engineering excellence. Bentley’s ability to seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with time-honored traditions has resulted in a range of iconic models that epitomize the perfect fusion of luxury and performance.
As Bentley forges ahead with its “Beyond100” Manifesto, the brand remains dedicated to upholding its legacy while embracing sustainability and innovation. From the meticulous handcrafting of each vehicle to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly initiatives, Bentley continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury automotive manufacturing. The brand’s future looks promising, with a focus on exploring alternative powertrains and pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, all while staying true to its core values of uncompromising quality and performance.
FAQs
When was the Bentley Continental GT significantly redesigned?
The Bentley Continental GT underwent its first major redesign in 2010, after being initially launched in 2003. This redesign marked a significant evolution in the model, enhancing its already renowned craftsmanship, style, and power to new heights.
Which Bentley model is considered the most luxurious?
The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner stands as the epitome of luxury in the Bentley lineup. This model combines a powerful V8 engine, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional dynamic handling, embodying the prestige, presence, and personalization that the Mulliner name signifies.
What is the significance of the Bentley logo?
The Bentley logo, featuring the “Winged B,” was created by Crosby. The design includes a ‘B’ encased in a pair of wings, symbolizing the thrill of movement. This choice likely nods to the company founder W.O. Bentley’s history as an engine designer for fighter planes during World War I.
How is Bentley characterized in terms of luxury and performance?
Bentley is renowned for its blend of handcrafted luxury and performance, as emphasized by its official motto. The brand commits to delivering high-quality, luxurious experiences combined with impressive performance capabilities.
