Founded by Walter Owen "WO"
Bentley who started out modifying the French
DFP cars before deciding he could do much
better. For a decade Bentley was
responsible for manufacturing large, exotic,
fast and very expensive motor cars.
The company
collapsed in 1925, recovered for a time and
then collapsed again in 1931. Taken over
by Rolls-Royce, the Bentley name would then
be used on modified and tuned Rollers. After
World War II several "unique" Bentleys
were manufactured, including the beautiful
two-door R-type Continental of 1952 and
S-type of 1955.
Rolls-Royce, and thus Bentley,
were taken over in 1998 by Volkswagen, then
in turn BMW. Also see Lost
Marques Bentley
1924 - 1930
Ettore Bugatti once described the Bentley 3 litre as "The
fastest lorry in the world". This awesome 2+ tonne monster
won 5 times at the Le Mans 24 Hour between 1924 and 30
in various forms, perhaps proving to Bugatti that trucks
at the time were also more reliable than motor cars! More>>
1952 - 1955
This car was seen as one of the most desirable vehicles
in the 1950's. Not only because it was the fastest genuine
four-seater, but also because of its beauty; stunningly
elegant despite being big and swoopy. More>>
1959 - 1962
These new V8 models were built by H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward, and naturally followed the introduction of the new Rolls Royce V8 engine (as fitted to the Silver Cloud 2 and Phantom V). There were several body types, notably the Mulliner two-door hardtop and Park Ward drophead coupe, which joined the H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur four-door Continental saloon. More>>
1967 - 1980
Rolls-Royce have only ever made one concession to badge
engineering, keeping the legendary Bentley name alive.
The Bentley “T” saloon was identical to the
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, apart from the distinctive
radiator and badges. More>>
