History of the Bentley brand

Bentley is a brand with more than a century of history, which has always been faithful to the vision of creating cars that impress not only with their unparalleled elegance, but also evoke true emotion behind the wheel. What is the history of the Bentley brand? Since its inception in 1919, Bentley has pushed the boundaries of engineering capability, becoming a symbol of perfection and power on the road. It has made a name for itself both on the race tracks and in the circles of the most discerning luxury enthusiasts. But what makes Bentley not just a brand, but a legend? Let’s discover the secrets behind this iconic automotive symbol.

History of the Bentley brand – how the icon of British luxury was born

Bentley Motors was founded in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley, also known as W.O. Bentley. His vision was to create a car that combined both performance and luxury. Earlier, during World War I, Bentley worked on aircraft engines. The famous Bentley BR1 rotary engines, powered the British Sopwith Camel fighter aircraft. After the war, he decided to transfer his knowledge and experience to the automobile market.

First Bentley car, a 3-liter model with a four-cylinder engine, was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1919. The car quickly gained recognition for its reliability and exceptional performance.

Success in Le Mans racing – 1920s.

In the early 1920s, Bentley became a leader in endurance racing, winning five victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930. It was then that the famous group of “Bentley Boys” – wealthy British car enthusiasts, who got involved in racing, contributing to the flourishing of the brand.

A shared history that turned into a rivalry – Bentley vs. Rolls-Royce

In 1931, Bentley Motors found itself in serious financial trouble. That’s when the Rolls-Royce, one of the most prestigious automotive brands of its time. Rolls-Royce, known mainly for producing luxury limousines, saw in Bentley the potential to add to its range. Thus Bentley became part of the Rolls-Royce conglomerate, which at first seemed like a good move for both brands.

For the next few years, Bentley was seen as Rolls-Royce’s little brother, and the cars of both brands shared many features, especially in terms of design and technology. Bentley models were often based on the same platforms as Rolls-Royce, but were promoted as a sportier and more dynamic alternative.

The birth of rivalry

For many years, Bentley and Rolls-Royce operated under one umbrella. However, over time the two brands began to form their separate identities. Although on the outside Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars often looked similar, Bentley always focused on superior performance and sportiness, while Rolls-Royce focused on comfort and elegance.

The defining moment in this relationship came in the 1990s, when Rolls-Royce and Bentley came under the control of new owners, leading to their formal separation. The takeover by Volkswagen gave Bentley a new impetus, allowing it to invest in cutting-edge technology and return to its roots as a brand of luxury but sporty cars. Today Bentley and Rolls-Royce, despite their shared history, compete as representatives of two different visions of luxury.

Bentley today – luxury, innovation and tradition

Bentley today is a symbol of absolute luxury, technological excellence and unprecedented power. A brand whose history dates back more than a century, constantly combining tradition with modernity. Bentley tailors its cars to meet the demands of modern customers who expect the highest quality, comfort and advanced technology.

What sets Bentley cars apart?

Bentley cars combine refined luxury with powerful performance. Every detail, from the hand-finished interiors made of the highest quality materials to the state-of-the-art technologies, is carefully crafted. Bentley is synonymous with comfort, but also speed – the brand’s engineers constantly strive to achieve the perfect balance between power and smoothness of driving.

A distinguishing feature of Bentley cars is also the individual approach to each customer. Each model can be configured according to personal preferences, choosing from a wide range of colors, trim types and technology options.

The future of Bentley – luxury in the age of electrification

Bentley is constantly looking to the future, adapting its offerings to changing market demands and technology. The brand has announced that by 2030 its entire portfolio will be fully electric, responding to the global push for sustainability and emissions reduction. Hybrid models such as the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid are already available, combining luxury and performance with eco-friendly solutions.

Not every classic car enthusiast likes the direction the brand is taking, especially in terms of electrification. However, Bentley is proving that it is possible to retain luxury character and sporty performance while adapting to modern environmental requirements.