The name Bentley is one that means so much to motoring enthusiasts. The name means luxury, quality, and speed. It is a name that has existed in the car world for over 100 years and it has never left these three pillars behind. Yet there is more to Bentley than just a good name.
The quality of car that Bentley produces is rivaled by none. Today it is estimated that 80% of Bentley cars ever built are still on the road and driving. While that is likely helped by the fact that their owners are so in love with their car that they take great care of them and rarely drive them, the manufacturing quality is the key ingredient. As a further example, a model from the 1930s was recently sold at auction. The car sold for almost 3 million pounds and in the press release that followed it was noted that it was sold at such a high price for its incredible achievements but also because it “remains in the same condition since its early racing days”.
The Bentley badge also shows a lot of class. The capital B with wings on either side suggests a superior product. The badge dates back to the 1920s when the founder W.O. Bentley asked a friend to design something that could not be easily copied. At that time a lot of car manufacturers were placing wings on their emblems but Bentley chose the wings as a reference to his background in World War 1 where he was an aeronautical engineer.
While Bentley is a name that most associates with high-quality luxury cars they are also incredibly accomplished in racing. The team that race Bentleys are often called the Bentley Boys and have been known to compete with the best cars in the world. The Bentley Boys famously were not even paid for racing, they just loved the cars so much. It was this love and understanding of their vehicle that led them to win five Le Mans victories in eight years. They won these races in the 1920s and 1930s when Bugatti was the main competitor. The Bentley Boys were known for their extreme wealth and out of line behavior. They were young and careless but incredible drivers.
On one occasion the Bentley Boys finished a Le Mans race and went straight to the bar. The bar had long been emptied of liquor so they had to create their own drink from what was available. Using Calvados, Dubonnet Rouge, and a lemon twist they created what is now known as the Bentley cocktail.
Today Bentley is far more well known for the incredible design, and luxury that its cars provide. The aim of the manufacturer is to cater to every small detail the owner could wish for. If you purchase a new Bentley the manufacturers will happily include a one-off kit to assist with your hobby (for a price). They recently released the Bentayga Falconry as an example. It is a standard Bentley that has been fitted out for someone who owns falcons for sport. As the sport is described as “the sport of Kings” it is clear to see who Bentley’s target market is. The sport is widely popular among the rich of the Middle East and Bentley has done well to target them. The car comes with special perches for a falcon as well as the boot compartment that includes all the equipment needed for falconry. The designer said it is a simple showcase that Bentley can design anything in exquisite detail for any hobby or passion.
It is clear from Bentley’s rich history and richer customers that the cars are the pinnacle of quality. We can’t wait to see how this beautiful manufacturer continues to spoil its customers for years to come.