Introduction

If you are looking for a tradition of excellence, the stamp of class and the air of regality, look no further than a Bentley. For more than 90 years, Bentley Motors has been one of the flag bearers of the British automotive marquee, manufacturing inimitable handcrafted motor cars from its facilities in Crewe (England). Having been a part of the other British legend, Roll-Royce, Bentley has been a part of the German behemoth Volkswagen Group since 1998.

Recounting the rich history of the company is no mean task. As the company’s website states, “the history of Bentley is like a thriller… it is a story as passionate as the dedication that is required to build a car as elegant as the Arnage or a coupe as stunning as the continental GT. It is a story as exhilarating as the performance of every car graced with the winged B.”

Bentley Motors was founded at the fag end of the First World War on 18 January 1919 by brothers Walter Owen Bentley, better known as W.O. and H.M.Bentley. Though he was mainly known for his range of rotary aero-engines, WO was the prime architect of several award-winning racing car models that were runaway successes.

Bentley’s original model was the 3-litre, but since customers used to put heavier bodies on the chassis, a larger 4½-litre model followed soon. The 4½-litre model Blower Bentley, which was characterized by a distinctive supercharger projecting forward from the bottom of the grille, marked itself out as the most iconic model of the late 1920s.

The company launched its ultra-luxury 8-litre model that was received quite well in 1929. Everything about the car was great except its timing as the company was seriously affected by the Great Depression; only about 100 models of the car had been made. In many ways, Bentley was bailed out of the tumultuous aftermath of the great depression by Rolls Royce, which purchased the company in 1931.

After the World War II, Bentley came out with the 4.3 litre Mark Vl, a convertible version of which was introduced in 1951. About 207 cars of the Continental version targeted at the European market were produced by 1955.

A relatively fabulous period followed between the late 50s and 60s, when Bentley introduced a series of classics. However, by the end of the 70s, Bentley sales had been affected badly. This time the saviour was Vickers, under whose fold Bentley regained some of its luster. Volkswagen bought the company from Vickers to add another resplendent gem in its portfolio.