Bentley, an esteemed car company with a rich history, stands among the most revered automotive manufacturers worldwide. Established in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, it has solidified its reputation as one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious carmakers. However, its grand legacy didn’t come from catering to the Royal Family but from W.O. Bentley’s passion for racing.
Today, Bentley continues to epitomize the upper echelons of the automotive world, specializing in luxury sports cars that pay homage to its heritage. Here, we explore ten of the most significant Bentleys.
Bentley 4.5L ‘Blower’ Bentley (1926/1927)
The Bentley 4.5L ‘Blower’ represents a defining moment in Bentley’s legendary story. While W.O. Bentley had achieved success in racing, it was racing driver Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Burton’s insistence on creating supercharged versions of the outclassed Bentley 4.5 that became iconic. Despite never securing a race victory, the ‘Blowers’ rebellious nature continues to inspire Bentley’s character to this day.
Bentley Speed Six (1929/1930)
The car that outshined the ‘Blowers’ was W.O’s Speed Six, an immense racer affectionately dubbed ‘the tank’ due to its massive dimensions and weight. Bentley’s new Speed Six had impressive power, thanks to its modified 6.5-liter straight-six engine, generating 200hp at the time. Winning at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, this factory racer showcased Bentley’s prowess. Bentley also utilized the Speed Six’s chassis and engine for road-going cars, often partnering with coachworks builder H.J Mulliner for the bodywork and interiors.
Bentley Turbo R
After a period of being under Rolls-Royce’s rule, Bentley introduced the sportier 1985 Bentley Turbo R. This model boasted a more powerful engine and sporting chassis elements, rejuvenating Bentley’s racing heritage. The Turbo R enjoyed a 15-year production run, culminating with the Turbo RT Mulliner. It featured various upgrades, including a new turbocharger for the 6.75-liter V8 engine, pushing out an astonishing 420bhp.
Bentley Continental T
Before the modern-era Continental cars, the Continental name graced the two-door version of Bentley’s full-sized saloon. The Continental T stood out among these variations, distinguished by its shorter wheelbase and dynamic stance. Equipped with the same 420hp version of the 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, flared arches, and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Continental T exuded power and elegance. Created in an era reminiscent of W.O.’s time, it exemplified Bentley’s classic craftsmanship.
Bentley Arnage T
As the successor to the Turbo R and the last Bentley built in partnership with Rolls-Royce, the Arnage heralded Bentley into the 21st Century. The Arnage’s production spanned from 1998 to 2009, featuring various versions. While briefly powered by a 4.4-liter engine borrowed from BMW, Bentley eventually modernized its L-series V8 engine, resulting in astounding performance. The most powerful variant, the Arnage T Final Edition, churned out an impressive 507bhp and 1000nm of torque, making it a fierce competitor to the Mercedes S65 AMG.