2015 Bentley Continental GTC Concours Edition - West Coast Dream Machines
The History of Bentley
For over a century, Bentley Motors has stood as a symbol of British automotive excellence, effortlessly blending performance, craftsmanship, and elegance. From its roots in motorsport to its modern-day presence as a beacon of luxury, Bentley's story is not just one of engineering—it is a tale of passion, resilience, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection.
1921 Bentley 3 Litre
The Early Years: W.O. Bentley's Vision (1919–1931)
The History of Bentley begins in 1919, when Walter Owen Bentley, known simply as W.O., founded Bentley Motors in Cricklewood, North London. W.O. was a visionary engineer with a dream: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.”
In 1921, the first Bentley—the 3 Litre—was delivered to its proud owner. It was a revelation: powerful, durable, and beautifully crafted. But it was on the racetrack that Bentley made its name. The company dominated Le Mans in the 1920s, winning the prestigious 24-hour race five times between 1924 and 1930, thanks in large part to the legendary group of gentleman racers known as the “Bentley Boys.”
1949 Bentley Mark VI
Financial Troubles and the Rolls-Royce Era (1931–1998)
Despite its racing success, the Great Depression hit Bentley hard. In 1931, the company was quietly acquired by Rolls-Royce, which repositioned Bentley as a more performance-oriented sibling to its ultra-luxury line.
During this period, Bentley produced iconic models like the Bentley Mark VI and the R-Type Continental, the latter of which inspired modern Bentley grand tourers with its aerodynamic design and sporting character.
Although the Rolls-Royce years saw a more restrained, refined Bentley image, the marque maintained its reputation for sophistication, engineering excellence, and understated power.
2003 Bentley Continental GT
A New Era: Volkswagen Group Acquisition (1998–Present)
A major turning point came in 1998, when Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley Motors. This marked the beginning of a renaissance.
Under Volkswagen's ownership, Bentley received the investment and engineering resources it needed to develop an entirely new generation of luxury performance cars—starting with the game-changing Bentley Continental GT, introduced in 2003.
The Continental GT redefined the grand tourer segment with its combination of W12 power, all-wheel drive, cutting-edge technology, and hand-crafted luxury. It was an immediate success and brought Bentley to a global audience.
Since then, Bentley has expanded its lineup to include models like:
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Flying Spur – A luxurious four-door saloon with supercar performance
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Bentayga – Bentley’s first SUV, redefining luxury in the off-road segment
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Continental GTC – A convertible variant of the GT, combining open-air freedom with refined performance
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Mulliner coachbuilt creations – Offering ultra-exclusive, bespoke vehicles for discerning collectors
Racing Roots Reimagined: Return to Motorsport
Bentley’s motorsport legacy was revived in the 2000s with a triumphant return to Le Mans in 2003, where the Bentley Speed 8 claimed a 1-2 finish. More recently, Bentley has competed in GT racing with the Continental GT3, proving that the brand's competitive spirit remains alive and well.
Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability
Today, Bentley continues to honor its heritage while embracing the future. The brand has pledged to become fully electric by 2030, with its Beyond100 strategy leading the way in sustainable luxury. Every Bentley still undergoes meticulous hand-assembly in Crewe, England, combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge innovation.
The History of Bentley from the roaring 1920s racetrack to the winding roads of today’s world, has remained a symbol of luxury without compromise. It is a marque that celebrates the past while boldly stepping into the future—where craftsmanship, performance, and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
Whether behind the wheel of a classic Bentley Blower or the latest Continental GT Speed, you are not just driving a car—you are experiencing a legacy.
Ready to add a piece of British Luxury to your legacy? Visit West Coast Dream Machines to view our exquisite collection of Bentley motorcars.
