Automotive History: Bentley Motors

Prestige and elegance are the hallmarks of the superb Bentley car models with their stunning interiors and striking body that oozes class and luxury. The Bentley is a car for the enthusiast with a taste for the extravagant lifestyle and the money to go along with it. The young Walter Owen Bentley could never have foreseen in his early life, the impact his creation would have in the world of prestige cars.
The classy Bentley is the status symbol for those who want to travel in luxury and make a display of their affluent lifestyle, but was not recognized as such in the early days. When W.O. Bentley first established the company, it was geared toward racing cars as was his passion. In time, Bentley and some associates entered into the quality market with the production of a sporting touring car and after financial difficulties leading to the company being bought out by Rolls Royce, Bentley cars developed the reputation for prestige and style. W.O. Bentley was not a poor man made good, but was attached to a Victorian family who were reasonably wealthy, able to hire servants to serve them in their mansion-like home. Though from a privileged background, the 16 year-old Bentley was a hard and willing worker, learning his trade in engineering by working long hours, six days a week.
It was in 1919 that the Bentley company became a serious concern in the prestige car arena, producing cars that are prized collectors items to this day. Unfortunately, financial problems resulted in the company going into liquidation and was subsequently bought by Rolls Royce, who no doubt saw Bentley as their major competitor. Now that Rolls Royce were at the helm, Bentley became less of a force than it had been with some suggesting that Bentley cars were simply no more than Rolls Royce with a different mascot. That proved to be the case until the Bentley name was revamped with the introduction of the Mulsanne Turbo sedan in the 1980s. This resulted in a resurgence, with Bentley sales up and BMW now providing engines for new models. Volkswagen also entered the picture with the result that they gained control of Bentley, its Crewe factory and assets. The work of the original W O Bentley has resulted in a name that is synonymous with elegance and prestige, a car that is proudly owned by those who appreciate the luxury and superiority of a classic car.