Bentley

About Bentley

Bentley Motors Limited is a British designer, manufacturer and marketer of luxury cars and SUVs. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded by W. O. Bentley (1888–1971) in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London, and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003. Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and has been consolidated under VW's premium brand arm, Audi, since 2022. Prominent models extend from the historic sports-racing Bentley 4½ Litre and Bentley Speed Six; the more recent Bentley S Type Continental, Bentley Turbo R, and Bentley Arnage; to its current model line, including the Flying Spur, Continental GT and Bentayga which are marketed worldwide, with China as its largest market as of November 2012. Today most Bentley models are assembled at the company's Crewe factory, with a small number assembled at Volkswagen's Dresden factory, Germany, and with bodies for the Continental manufactured in Zwickau and for the Bentayga manufactured at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant. The joining and eventual separation of Bentley and Rolls-Royce followed a series of mergers and acquisitions, beginning with

Discography

Bentley — Rare Footage & Clips

Bentley: The Marque That Redefined Luxury on Four Wheels As one navigates the vast archive of rare car footage on our site, it's impossible not to be drawn in by the majesty of Bentley. With its rich history spanning nearly a century, this storied British marque has left an indelible mark on the world of automotive luxury. Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, the company quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, earning a reputation for building some of the most exquisite and powerful vehicles the world had ever seen.

One clip from our archive that stands out is the footage of the 1924 Bentley 3 Litre, which took top honors at the Le Mans 24 Hours. This was no small feat, as it marked the first time a British car had won the prestigious endurance event. The Bentley's impressive performance was largely due to its innovative design and engineering, which allowed for unparalleled speed and agility on the track. As we watch this clip, it's clear that Bentley was already setting the bar high in terms of what luxury cars could achieve.

Fast-forward to the modern era, and it's clear that Bentley has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with its vehicles. The Continental GT, for example, is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and style. With its sleek design and powerful W12 engine, this car is a true marvel of engineering. And yet, despite its many impressive features, it remains remarkably understated – a hallmark of Bentley's approach to luxury.

But what's perhaps less well-known about Bentley is its connection to the world of music. Country singer Dierks Bentley has released several albums under the name "Bentley," including Don't Leave Me In Love (2001) and Modern Day Drifter (2005). While this may seem like a curious coincidence, it's actually a nod to the fact that the surname "Bentley" is not unique to the car manufacturer. As we explore our archive further, we begin to see just how deeply intertwined the worlds of music and automotive design can be.

One notable example from our collection is the footage of the 2003 Bentley Continental GT, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show that year. This sleek and powerful car was an instant hit with critics and enthusiasts alike, and its success marked a major turning point for the company. As we watch this clip, it's clear that Bentley had truly arrived as a major player in the world of luxury cars.

Today, Bentley continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with its vehicles. The Bentayga, for example, is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and style. With its sleek design and powerful W12 engine, this car is a true marvel of engineering. And yet, despite its many impressive features, it remains remarkably understated – a hallmark of Bentley's approach to luxury.

As we delve deeper into our archive, we begin to see just how deeply intertwined the worlds of music and automotive design can be. While Dierks Bentley may not have been directly inspired by the car manufacturer, his use of the name "Bentley" is a nod to the fact that this surname has become synonymous with luxury and style.

In recent years, Bentley has undergone significant changes as part of its parent company's restructuring efforts. In 2022, it was consolidated under VW's premium brand arm, Audi. This move marked a major shift for the company, but one that has ultimately allowed it to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with its vehicles.

As we explore our archive further, we begin to see just how deeply Bentley's history is intertwined with that of Rolls-Royce. The two companies have a long and complex history, marked by periods of merger and acquisition. Today, they remain two of the most respected luxury car manufacturers in the world, each with its own unique approach to design and engineering.

In conclusion, our archive offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Bentley – from its humble beginnings as a small British manufacturer to its current status as a global leader in luxury cars. With its rich history, innovative designs, and commitment to excellence, it's no wonder that Bentley has become synonymous with style and sophistication. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or simply looking for inspiration, our archive is the perfect place to start your journey into the world of Bentley.

Curated from public records and music databases.