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Walter Owen Bentley founded Bentley Motors in London on January 20, 1919. Despite a rocky start with financial restructuring just six months later, the company was reborn under the same name, which is a testament to its resilience and W.O.’s determination to bring his automotive dreams to life.
Bentley’s love for speed and engineering shone during World War I, when he created two aircraft engines. By November 1919, his 3-litre Bentley EXP1 prototype stole the spotlight at the London Motor Show.
The car's innovative 4-cylinder engine delivered groundbreaking performance, handling, and braking, reaching the awe-inspiring speed of 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour.
Bentley’s first mass-produced car, delivered in September 1921, came from the modest Cricklewood factory in North London. By 1922, nearly 150 vehicles were built, though rising production costs paralleled the surge in sales.
Bentley’s engineering genius wasn’t matched by his business skills. By 1924, he began crafting his 6.5-litre masterpiece, but by 1926, though the car was ready, the company faced bankruptcy.
Woolf Barnato (pictured), a wealthy businessman and car lover, saved Bentley Motors, keeping W.O. Bentley as Managing Director. Despite a brief revival and a profit in 1929, the Great Depression and costly decisions led to bankruptcy again by July 1931.
In November 1931, Rolls Royce seized the opportunity and took over its rival Bentley Motors. Throughout the 1930s, Bentley adopted Fordist production techniques to streamline costs and remain competitive.
Bentley increasingly adopted standardized components, trading its signature performance and dynamism for refined craftsmanship. Despite this shift, the brand retained some independence, as its engines and chassis remained exclusive to Bentley until World War II.
Post-war financial pressures eventually led Bentley to adopt model policies that limited the brand’s identity. The MK VI, produced in Crewe from 1946, was discontinued in 1951, overshadowed by the near-identical Rolls Royce Silver Dawn.
For three long decades, Bentley's identity faded as it produced only Rolls Royce derivatives, diminishing the marque's significance. Yet, the vision and inspiration for pushing boundaries in the automobile industry was still going strong.
In 1980, Vickers plc took over Rolls Royce Motor Cars Ltd. and revitalized the Bentley brand once again with the launch of the powerful Bentley Mulsanne Turbo.
The Bentley Eight debuted in 1984 to rival Mercedes and BMW, followed by the Turbo R in 1985, marking a new era. Reviving its sporting heritage, Bentley expanded its lineup and accelerated growth.
In just a decade, Bentley rose to its well-deserved dominance, defined by its 1990s coupes that blended performance with luxury. This iconic identity set the stage for the brand’s flourishing under Volkswagen’s leadership.
Renamed Bentley Motors Ltd. in September 2002, the company reclaimed key competencies like prototype testing and V8 engine production—essential elements of its storied heritage that had been outsourced under Vickers’ ownership.
Under Volkswagen’s ownership, engine production returned to Crewe, reconnecting Bentley’s engineers with power plant development. Between 1999 and 2003, Volkswagen invested $1.1 billion to modernize the factory and develop new models, revitalizing the brand.
The Arnage Green Label was swiftly revamped into the Red Label within a year, featuring improved suspension, a roomier rear, and increased power. With the more powerful V8 replacing the BMW engine, demand soared, driving a 50% sales increase in 2000.
The Arnage T, unveiled in Detroit in 2002, was the result of over two years of development. Enhanced with Volkswagen's expertise, its strengthened design and upgraded V8 engine delivered 456 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.5 seconds.
The Continental GT, designed and built in Crewe, was Bentley’s breakthrough model, bridging the gap between Mercedes and Porsche. It opened new markets and realized a long-standing dream for the brand.
For the Continental GT, a whole dedicated assembly shed was built, combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology. With bodyshells from Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant, its production time was 150 hours, compared to 400 for the Arnage.
After debuting as a prototype at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the Continental GT’s production model launched in 2003 at a starting price of US$150,000. It showcased a perfect blend of handcrafted elegance, luxury, and speed.
The famous coupe featured a compact 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine, propelling the two-tonne car to a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h). As expected, its style, performance, and technology successfully drew in younger customers, securing the brand's future in the market.
The 2017 Mulsanne showcased Bentley’s peak craftsmanship and design for modern times, featuring a bold new grille with vertical stainless steel vanes. This exclusive redesign of the model from 2010 made the car look wide, sleek, and firmly grounded.
Bentley is embracing an electric future with hybrid technology playing a key role. The new Continental GT Speed now features an Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain, blending V8 power with electric torque for remarkable performance!
The Bentayga offers a V8 petrol engine or V6 hybrid powertrain alongside cutting-edge technology like driver assistance and connected services. Available in 4-seat, 4+1, or 5-seat configurations, it defines luxury in the SUV segment.
Mulliner, with origins predating the motor car, stands as Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division. Known for crafting special features, finishes, and custom coachbuilt vehicles, Mulliner embodies the pinnacle of Bentley luxury.
In 1952, the R-Type Continental shattered expectations by achieving a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) and cruising comfortably at 100 mph (160 km/h) with four passengers and luggage. With just 208 units built, this groundbreaking model set the standard for Bentley's grand touring for decades.
The Bentley Brooklands made a grand comeback in 2007 after its debut in 1993. As part of an exceptional lineage of coupés, it showcased the most powerful V8 engine in Bentley's history, achieving an impressive top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h).
The Flying Spur was designed as the ultimate four-door sedan, delivering unmatched comfort for four adults. Combining dynamic acceleration, agile handling, and all-wheel drive, it redefined performance while elevating luxurious interior craftsmanship.
The Bentley Beyond100+ strategy places sustainability at the core, reimagining the brand as a leader in sustainable luxury mobility. It commits to an eco-friendly, low-carbon future while embodying timeless luxury, environmental stewardship, and innovation.
Sources: (Bentley Motors) (Volkswagen Group) (Sasso Automotive)
From Walter Owen Bentley’s pioneering vision in 1919 to today’s crew of over 4,000 talented minds, Bentley Motors has always crafted extraordinary cars with impeccable materials. But it’s not just about the cars—it’s about the people. The innovative technology of the 1920s spurred Bentley to new engineering heights, and today’s owners continue to steer the brand’s bold legacy forward, one incredible drive at a time. In 2020, Bentley Motors unveiled its ambitious 'Beyond100' manifesto, aiming to redefine what it means to be a luxury automotive brand by embracing sustainability at its core.
The bond between those who craft Bentley cars and those who drive them is nothing short of extraordinary. Click on to learn more about the brand's history of passion and purpose!
Bentley: the history of handcrafted luxury
Exploring the legacy of precision, craftsmanship, and elegance
LIFESTYLE Cars
From Walter Owen Bentley’s pioneering vision in 1919 to today’s crew of over 4,000 talented minds, Bentley Motors has always crafted extraordinary cars with impeccable materials. But it’s not just about the cars—it’s about the people. The innovative technology of the 1920s spurred Bentley to new engineering heights, and today’s owners continue to steer the brand’s bold legacy forward, one incredible drive at a time. In 2020, Bentley Motors unveiled its ambitious 'Beyond100+' manifesto, aiming to redefine what it means to be a luxury automotive brand by embracing sustainability at its core.
The bond between those who craft Bentley cars and those who drive them is nothing short of extraordinary. Click on to learn more about the brand's history of passion and purpose!