Since 1919, Bentley has stood as a beacon of British automotive excellence, crafting vehicles that are not merely modes of transport, but symbols of prestige and unparalleled craftsmanship. Founded by Walter Owen Bentley, a visionary engineer with a passion for performance, Bentley Motors quickly evolved from its aero-engine origins into a world-renowned car manufacturer. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its place in automotive history, even becoming the choice of royalty, exemplified by the State Limousine presented to the Queen in 2002.
W.O. Bentley’s initial foray into engineering was marked by his successful design of reliable rotary engines for aircraft during World War I. However, his ambition extended beyond aviation. Prior to his wartime achievements, Bentley, alongside his brother H.M., was involved in selling French D.F.P. cars. This experience ignited his desire to establish his own car manufacturing venture, one that would embody his engineering principles and passion for automotive excellence. Bentley Motors was officially established in January 1919, marking the beginning of an era of luxury car production.
The nascent company quickly made waves when Walter Owen Bentley showcased a chassis with an engine replica at the London Motor Show shortly after its formation. The design garnered immediate acclaim and a flood of orders. However, Bentley faced early production challenges, and the first cars were not delivered until September 1921, a year behind schedule. Despite these initial hurdles, Bentley vehicles were highly sought after in the UK market, recognized for their quality and performance. Similar to other prestigious marques like Aston Martin, Bentley navigated periods of financial instability and changes in ownership. Fortunately, the brand consistently found support from affluent enthusiasts who ensured its survival and continued development.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1925 when millionaire and racing enthusiast Woolf Barnato, a distinguished ‘Bentley Boy,’ acquired the company. Barnato’s financial backing provided much-needed stability. Despite this, the global economic downturn of the Great Depression significantly impacted the demand for luxury automobiles, placing Bentley in a precarious position. In 1931, salvation came in the form of Rolls Royce, who acquired Bentley, ensuring the continuation of this iconic British brand. The era of the ‘Bentley Boys’ not only secured the marque’s survival but also brought significant racing success, with Barnato himself famously winning the unofficial “Blue Train Race” against the Calais-Mediterranée Express. This victory further cemented the legend of the “Blue Train Bentley” model. Bentley’s racing pedigree was further enhanced by four consecutive victories at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race from 1927 to 1930, establishing its performance credentials.
In its pre-Rolls Royce era, Bentley cars were powered by a range of robust engines, from the celebrated 3 Litre and high-performance 4.5 Litre “Blower Bentley” engines to the powerful 6 Litre and the massive 8 Litre engines of the 1930s. Following its integration into Rolls Royce and particularly after becoming a distinct car line again in the 1980s, Bentley significantly refined its offerings and embraced technological advancements. Models such as the elegant Type R, the luxurious S series, and the sporty Continental represented a glimpse of the innovations to come. Later models, including the sophisticated Azure convertible, the high-performance Turbo R and Turbo S, and the track-focused Brooklands coupe, showcased Bentley’s evolving design language and performance capabilities.
The landscape shifted again in 1998 when the Volkswagen Group (VW Group), a German automotive giant, became Bentley’s parent company through a strategic partnership with BMW. The agreement initially involved VW producing both Bentley and Rolls Royce cars until 2002, after which BMW assumed full rights to the Rolls Royce marque. BMW remained a crucial engine supplier for both brands until 2003. Shortly after BMW’s departure from the partnership, Bentley introduced the Continental GT, a model that would surpass even the Azure in popularity. Demand for the Continental GT surged, echoing the production challenges Bentley faced in its early years due to overwhelming customer interest.
Today, Bentley continues its ascent in the luxury automotive sector. In 2022, the company reported record sales of 14,659 vehicles, marking an impressive 31% increase over its previous record in 2020. Bentley is synonymous with some of the world’s most exclusive and expensive cars. Its entry into the SUV market, the Bentayga, starts at approximately $180,000, while its bespoke “coachbuilt” Mulliner models, such as the Bacalar, can reach prices exceeding $2 million. Looking towards the future, Bentley is actively embracing electrification, with plans to introduce plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles by 2026 and transition to a fully electric model lineup by 2030. This commitment ensures that Bentley will continue to define luxury and performance in the automotive world for generations to come.
