When you think of Bentley, what comes to mind? Is it the sleek, ultra-luxurious car gliding down a winding road, or is it the roar of a historic and powerful engine on a racetrack? Maybe it’s the association of class across the world, connecting celebrities, royalty, and other notable figures under the same umbrella? Whatever you associate Bentley with, it’s by design. There’s no mistaking the unique hold Bentley has had on culture since its inception, both in the automotive world and in everyday life. Bentley is synonymous with class, wealth, and unprecedented automotive engineering, dating back to its unique origins in the early 20th century. We’ve compiled ten fascinating, lesser-known facts that further showcase the rich history of Bentley, ranging from its beginnings to its status as an unmistakable global icon of luxury every which way.
1 Bentley Started In The Sky
Bentley
Before Bentley was grounded, its founder Walter Owen Bentley (W.O. Bentley) had his eyes set on the sky. In the early 20th century, Bentley was designing and manufacturing rotary engines for British fighter planes during World War I. It was during this time that the groundwork was laid for his future project in the automotive industry. In fact, Bentley’s aviation heritage is still evident in its iconic ‘B’ winged emblem, a symbol of the brand’s roots in flight. Bentley himself credited the experience and knowledge he gained developing plane engines as a tool that directly translated into his approach toward a powerful and one-of-a-kind business model for Bentley’s road cars, one that still pushes limits to this day.
2 Bentley Had Some Of The First Groupies
Bentley Motors
In the 1920s, Bentley captivated a lively group of affluent British car enthusiasts and racing drivers who would later be known as The Bentley Boys. This group comprised a diverse mix of individuals, from professional racing drivers and horse racers to playboys, millionaire heirs, and daredevils. The Bentley Boys enthusiastically participated in races across Europe in their Bentley cars, solidifying the company’s reputation for crafting fast and durable vehicles. One of the most renowned feats involved Woolf Barnato, heir to a diamond fortune and chairman of Bentley, who famously raced his 6 ½-liter Bentley against The Blue Train, a luxurious train service frequented by wealthy English travelers between Calais and the French Riviera, and emerged victorious.
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3 W.O. Bentley Wasn’t Fond Of The Blower
Bentley Newsroom
Although a force to be reckoned with, W.O. Bentley wasn’t a fan of the Blower Bentleys. This distaste stemmed from his belief that supercharging the 4½ Litre engine would compromise its integrity and performance. Still, Sir Henry Birkin, a prominent Bentley driver, championed the development of the supercharged model, despite W.O.’s preference for increasing engine capacity with the naturally aspirated 6½ Litre Speed Six. The Blower Bentley, known for its impressive but short-lived bursts of speed, failed to achieve significant racing success, unlike the Speed Six, which won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. His reluctance was overruled by financial backers, leading to the production of the Blower Bentleys despite his objections.
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4 Bentley Built The World’s Fastest SUV
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Bentley broke new ground with the introduction of the Bentayga, the brand’s first luxury crossover SUV. This marked a significant departure from the brand’s traditional lineup of grand tourers and sports cars, but that doesn’t mean it sacrificed any power. Rather, the Bentayga sought to set new records as the fastest SUV in the world. That was achieved when the Bentayga Speed was released, with its top speed of 190 mph. Since then, the Bentayga Speed has been surpassed by SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus SE and Aston Martin DBX707, but neither of those combine speed and luxury as effortlessly as the Bentley.
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5 Bentley’s Record-Breaking Power
Bentley
The Bentayga Speed is far from the only powerful record-setting Bentley, of course. In 2003, the Bentley Continental GT, powered by a twin-turbocharged W12 engine, became the world’s fastest production four-seat car, topping out an unbelievable 198 mph. Bentley’s pursuit of power has continued since then, including the announcement of the Bentley Batur in 2022, boasting a staggering 730 hp. Although this model was a limited edition, this grand tourer perhaps best showcases all that Bentley can accomplish with performance that’s as exhilarating for everyday life as it is track-ready.
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
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6 Handcrafted Excellence from Within
Bentley Newsroom
Bentley’s dedication to craftsmanship is legendary, and for good reason. The brand’s cars are renowned for their exquisite interiors, where skilled artisans meticulously craft every detail by hand. From the supple leather upholstery stitched with precision to the handcrafted wood veneers, each Bentley interior is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and luxury.
Bentley’s Crewe factory in England is a hub of artisanal expertise, where generations of craftsmen and women have honed their skills. It takes hundreds of hours to create a single Bentley interior, with each component carefully selected and assembled to create a harmonious and opulent cabin. No matter how you spin it, this level of detail is unheard of in today’s world of automated manufacturing and assembly.
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7 Royal Connections Spanning Decades
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Bentley has a long-standing association with royalty, particularly with the British Royal Family. In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II commissioned a bespoke Bentley State Limousine to serve as her official car. This custom-built limousine, with its raised roof and armored body, has been used for state occasions and royal processions for decades. Bentley’s relationship with the Royal Family extends beyond official vehicles. Many members of the Royal Family, including Prince Charles, Prince William, and of course, the Queen herself, have owned and/or driven Bentley cars, further solidifying the brand’s image of prestige and exclusivity. Just like its status as a favorite among celebrities, Bentley stands in a league of its own with British luxury.
8 Bentley’s Mulliner Division: Bespoke Luxury
Bentley Newsroom
For those seeking the ultimate in personalization, Bentley’s Mulliner division offers bespoke customization services. Named after the renowned British coachbuilding firm H.J. Mulliner, this division specializes in creating one-of-a-kind vehicles tailored to the specific desires of individual clients. From unique paint finishes and interior trims to custom embroidery and personalized badging, Mulliner allows Bentley owners to express their individuality and create a truly unique automotive masterpiece. This commitment to personalization reflects Bentley’s dedication to providing an unparalleled luxury experience.
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9 Volkswagen Married Into the Family
Bentley Newsroom
Volkswagen Group’s acquisition of Bentley in 1998 was a significant event in automotive history. Before this, Bentley had been under the ownership of Vickers, which decided to sell both Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1997. The sale attracted interest from multiple bidders, including BMW and Volkswagen. The competition between Volkswagen and BMW was palpable, with BMW initially seeming to have the upper hand due to its existing relationship with Rolls-Royce as an engine supplier. However, Volkswagen made a higher bid of £430 million compared to BMW’s £340 million. This bid allowed Volkswagen to acquire Bentley and the Crewe manufacturing facilities.
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10 Rolls-Royce Tried To Sneak Into The Family
Bentley Newsroom
They almost got away with it. The economic downturn of 1929 significantly impacted the luxury car market, leading to Bentley’s financial struggles and eventual insolvency by 1931. Several competitors expressed interest in acquiring the company, but the successful bid came from an unexpected source: British Central Equitable Trust. Only after the acquisition was finalized was the true buyer revealed to be Rolls-Royce, a then-competing British automaker. Eventually, Rolls-Royce would retain ownership of Bentley until 1970. Throughout this period, from the 1930s to the early 21st century, the majority of Bentley models were heavily influenced by Rolls-Royce designs in a twist of fate or a form of flattery, depending on how you see things.
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