Six Things You Weren’t Aware of About Bentley


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There’s no doubt that Bentley is the pinnacle of superior motoring — at a hundred years, Bentley have mastered the art of car manufacturing. But are you aware of the hidden secrets in Bentley aside from the luxury interiors and rapid engine?

Hidden Secrets

Something else that Bentley have mastered is the ability to understand that car enthusiasts are always wanting more. For this reason, they offer a specialised, one-off kit for their owners to fulfill their hobby — the hobby being falconry, of course. Bentayga falconry by Mulliner is, admittedly, a rather obscure optional extra, but it depicts exactly what Bentley is about — creating a car for their client, catering to their wants and needs during development. The flight master station, which is stowed neatly in the boot space of the Bentley Bentayga, includes a GPS tracking system, binoculars, and hand-crafted leather bird hoods. Don’t be concerned if falconry isn’t your forte, however. Bentley promise to appease customers by asking to submit their requests, and their bespoke service will attempt to create a package for any lifestyle or hobby.

Bentley Boys

The Bentley name has been taken by the Bentley Boys, a group of affluent motorists, and cemented as a leading name in motorsports. In 2019, Lewis Hamilton was ranked by Forbes at the world’s 13th highest paid sports star, however, the Bentley Boys, which featured Capt. Woolf Barnato, J.D Benjafield, Tim Birkin, S.C.H Davis, Glen Kidston, John Duff, and Jack and Clive Dunfee, were unpaid. These men had a true passion for racing, moreover, racing Bentleys. Their relationship with the brand, which led to five Le Mans victories in eight years, was apparent. It was often the young men exhilarating attitude which helped both them, and Bentley, gain an outstanding reputation.

Drink, but don’t drive

It comes as no surprise that the Bentley Boys wanted to celebrate their first ever Le Mans Victory after being the only British team to compete in the Pays de la Loire. Alongside being the only British team surrounded by French and Germans, this was only the second endurance event these men had competed in. So, when they landed back in Mayfair, trophy in tow, they were irritated by the fact the bar had been left, well, dry — with the exception of Calvados and Dubonnet.

The Bentley Cocktail

Requires

  • 1 and a half ounces of Calvados or Apple Brandy
  • 1 and a half ounces of Dubonnet Rouge
  • 1 lemon twist – garnish

In a glass, stir together the Calvados and the Dubonnet, pour over ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish and enjoy, just like a Bentley Boy!

Going, going, gone…

At Christie’s Le Mans Classic Auction, the Works No.2 Bentley Speed Six Tourder was sold for a astounding £2,784,741 in July 2004. A press release prior to the auction noted, ‘no other car has accomplished so much and, most importantly ‘No.2’ remains in the same conditions since its early racing days in the 1930’.

Design of the Wings

An iconic element of the Bentley brand — the ‘B-Wings’. Just like the four recognisable rings you’d spot at an Audi dealer. Back, when the company was gaining traction in the early 1920s, founder W.O. Bentley called upon the help of close friend and designer, Crosby, to establish a badge that could not be fraudulently reproduced. Therefore, he requested one which featured asymmetric downward aiming feathers. Although ‘wings’ were a popular choice for many car manufacturers when establishing a badge during this era, rumour has it, Bentley’s logo was designed to represent W.O.’s background as an aeronautical engineer during the Great War.

Built to last

The common saying, ‘stuff just isn’t built to last anymore’ truly is reflected in Bentley manufacturing. The manufacturer’s overarching commitment is to quality engineering. Considering 80 per cent of all Bentleys ever built are still on the roads today, it appears they are doing a rather good job. Also, despite the fact the brand may hold connotations of heavy fuel consumption and a lack of concern for sustainability, CO2 levels across the fleet have been driven down by 30 per cent in recent times.

Contributing hugely to the automobile industry, Bentley is certainly one of the world’s leading car brands. We are excited to see what will happen in the future to their luxury vehicles.

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