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When you ponder about Bentley, what springs to memory? Could it be the stylish, ultra-glamorous vehicle cruising along a meandering pathway, or the tumultuous noise of a historic and potent motor on a racecourse? Perhaps it’s the link to sophistication worldwide, uniting celebrities, nobility, and other prominent individuals under the same canopy? Whatever your connection to Bentley might be, it’s all by intention. There’s no mistaking the distinctive grip Bentley has held on culture since its inception, both in the automotive sphere and in day-to-day existence. Bentley is synonymous with sophistication, affluence, and unparalleled automotive innovation, tracing back to its unique origins in the early 20th century. We’ve gathered ten enthralling, lesser-known details that further highlight the opulent legacy of Bentley, spanning from its origins to its standing as an undeniable global symbol of opulence in every aspect.
1 Bentley Commenced In The Heavens
Before Bentley transitioned to the ground, its founder Walter Owen Bentley (W.O. Bentley) had his sights fixed on the celestial domain. In the early 20th century, Bentley was crafting and fabricating rotary power plants for British combat aircraft during World War I. It was in this era that the foundation was laid for his forthcoming venture in the automobile sector. Actually, Bentley’s aviation lineage is still discernible in its iconic ‘B’ winged symbol, a representation of the brand’s origins in flight. Bentley himself acknowledged the expertise and insights he acquired from creating aircraft engines as a tool that directly translated into his methodology for a robust and unique business plan for Bentley’s land vehicles, one that persistently pushes boundaries till date.
2 Bentley Witnessed Some Of The Earliest Enthusiasts
In the 1920s, Bentley mesmerized a vivacious cluster of affluent British automobile aficionados and motor racers who would eventually be recognized as The Bentley Boys. This assembly encompassed a heterogeneous blend of individuals, from professional racecar drivers and equestrians to playboys, wealthy inheritors, and thrill-seekers. The Bentley Boys actively engaged in races throughout Europe in their Bentley automobiles, cementing the firm’s reputation for fabricating swift and resilient vehicles. One of the most celebrated achievements included Woolf Barnato, beneficiary of a diamond fortune and head of Bentley, who famously raced his 6 ½-liter Bentley against The Blue Train, an opulent train service frequented by affluent English voyagers between Calais and the French Riviera, and emerged victorious.
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3 W.O. Bentley Disapproved of Supercharging
Despite his reservations, W.O. Bentley wasn’t a fan of the Blower Bentleys. He believed that supercharging the 4½ Litre engine would compromise its performance and integrity. However, Sir Henry Birkin, a prominent Bentley driver, advocated for the supercharged model’s development, contrasting W.O.’s preference for the naturally aspirated 6½ Litre Speed Six with increased engine capacity. Despite the Blower Bentley’s reputation for brief bursts of speed and limited racing success compared to the victorious Speed Six at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, financial backers overruled W.O.’s objections, leading to production.
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4 Bentley’s Claim To The Fastest SUV Title
Bentley made waves with the release of the Bentayga, their premier luxury crossover SUV. This marked a notable shift from their usual lineup of high-end tourers and performance cars, all without compromising on power. The Bentayga set a new benchmark as the world’s fastest SUV upon the debut of the Bentayga Speed, boasting a top speed of 190 mph. While the Bentayga Speed has since been surpassed by competitors like the Lamborghini Urus SE and Aston Martin DBX707, none match the blend of luxury and speed seen in the Bentley.
5 Bentley’s Record-Breaking Power
The Bentayga Speed isn’t the sole impressive record-breaking Bentley out there. Back in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT, equipped with a twin-turbocharged W12 engine, claimed the title of the fastest production four-seat car globally, hitting an astonishing speed of 198 mph. Bentley’s quest for power has persisted over the years, culminating in the unveiling of the Bentley Batur in 2022, featuring a remarkable 730 hp. While this model was a limited edition release, this grand tourer exemplifies the pinnacle of Bentley’s performance capabilities, delivering excitement for everyday usage and track performance alike.
2024 Bentley Continental GT
- Base MSRP
- $242,700
- Engine
- 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
- Horsepower
- 542 hp
- Torque
- 568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Economy
- 14/22 MPG
6 Handcrafted Excellence from Within
Bentley’s commitment to artistry is celebrated globally and for valid reasons. The luxury brand’s vehicles are famously recognized for their lavish interiors, meticulously detailed by skilled craftsmen and women by hand. From the exquisite leather seats stitched with precision to the custom-made wooden veneers, every Bentley interior stands as a symbol of the brand’s steadfast dedication to excellence and opulence.
Bentley’s craftsmanship center in England, located in Crewe, embodies a wealth of artisanal knowledge, where artisans with a heritage of expertise refine their craft. It demands countless hours to craft a single Bentley interior, with each element meticulously chosen and assembled to form a harmonious and lavish cabin. This level of attention to detail remains unparalleled in today’s realm of automated production and assembly processes.
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7 Royal Ties Throughout the Ages
Bentley shares a long history with royalty, especially the British Royal Family. In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II requested a customized Bentley State Limousine to serve as her official vehicle. This bespoke limousine, featuring a raised roof and reinforced body, has been utilized for state events and royal processions for many years. Bentley’s connection with the Royal Family goes beyond official transport. Several royal family members, including Prince Charles, Prince William, and of course, the Queen herself, have either owned or driven Bentley automobiles, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity. Much like its popularity among celebrities, Bentley remains synonymous with British luxury.
8 Bentley’s Mulliner Division: Tailored Elegance
For individuals seeking personalized luxury, Bentley’s Mulliner division provides exclusive customization services. Named after the prestigious British coachbuilding company H.J. Mulliner, this department excels in crafting unique vehicles tailored to the specific preferences of discerning customers. From distinctive paint finishes and interior enhancements to individualized details and personalized emblems, Mulliner empowers Bentley owners to showcase their uniqueness and create a truly exceptional automotive masterpiece. This dedication to customization underscores Bentley’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled luxurious experience.
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9 Volkswagen United with the Family
Volkswagen Group’s purchase of Bentley in 1998 marked a significant moment in automotive history. Before this, Bentley had been owned by Vickers, which opted to sell both Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1997. The sale drew interest from various bidders, including BMW and Volkswagen. The competition between Volkswagen and BMW was intense, with BMW appearing to have the edge initially due to its existing ties with Rolls-Royce as an engine provider. However, Volkswagen made a higher offer of £430 million compared to BMW’s £340 million. This bid enabled Volkswagen to take over Bentley and the Crewe manufacturing facilities.
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10 Rolls-Royce Attempted to Quietly Enter the Family
They nearly evaded detection. The economic crash of 1929 had a significant impact on the luxury car sector, causing financial woes for Bentley and leading to insolvency by 1931. Several rivals showed interest in acquiring the company, but the winning bid came from an unexpected source: British Central Equitable Trust. It was only after the acquisition was completed that Rolls-Royce, a competing British automaker at the time, was revealed as the true purchaser. Rolls-Royce subsequently held ownership of Bentley until 1970. During this era, from the 1930s to the early 21st century, a majority of Bentley models bore heavy influences from Rolls-Royce designs, in a twist of fate or a nod of admiration, depending on one’s perspective.
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