Andrew Noakes has been writing about cars for more than 20 years. He was trained as an automotive engineer but decided to go into motoring journalism, working for Fast Car magazine before launching the classic car title Classics. He has been freelance since 2002, writing on cars for a wide range of magazines and websites, and since 2006 has also taught motoring journalism at Coventry University. He is the chairman of the Guild of Motoring Writers in 2016-18. Andrew is the author of more than a dozen motoring books including The Ultimate History of Aston Martin, Ford Cosworth DFV: The Inside Story of F1’s Greatest Engine, which was awarded the Guild of Motoring Writers’ Timo Makinen Trophy in 2007, and Aston Martin DB – 70 Years which was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Beau Livre at Festival Automobile International in 2018. . He lives in Warwickshire.

CONTENTS

Foreword
Introduction
Bentley 100 Years Timeline

Chapter 1 – W.O.
The founder of the company begins his career in railway engineering before joining his brother in a company selling DFP cars – which he soon modifies for greater performance. Bentley Motors Limited is formed in 1919.

Chapter 2 – Glory Years
Bentley builds fine 3-Litre, 41/2-Litre, 61/2-Litre and 8-Litre cars, including the famed 41/2-Litre ‘Blower’. Its strong, reliable racing cars win five times in the new 24-hour race at Le Mans. Diamond heir Woolf Barnato becomes Bentley’s financial backer.

Chapter 3 – Crisis and Rescue
Following the Great Depression of 1929 Bentley struggles financially, until rescued by Rolls-Royce in November 1931. Production moves to Derby, then to Crewe after the Second World War.

Chapter 4 – Going Continental
Bentley introduces the new R-type saloon and then a fastback car which was to become one of its most famous – the R-type Continental. The S-type follows in three phases, but the S3 is destined to be the last Bentley with a body style not shared with Rolls-Royce until the 1980s.

Chapter 5 – Badge Engineering
Bentley’s T-series is a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with different badges. There are two-door and convertible variants, but Bentleys remain rare compared to their Rolls-Royce equivalents.

Chapter 6 – R for Revival
Signs of revival for Bentley begin with the Mulsanne Turbo, which has no Rolls-Royce equivalent. The Turbo R accelerates the trend, offering better roadholding and handling, and there’s a cut-price Eight saloon. At the other end of the scale a new Continental becomes the most expensive car on sale.

Chapter 7 – From Vickers to Volkswagen
Vickers, Bentley’s parent company since 1980, sells Rolls-Royce/Bentley in 1998. BMW and Volkswagen vie for ownership, and eventually BMW takes over Rolls-Royce (ultimately establishing a new factory at Goodwood) while Bentley and the Crewe facility come under the ownership of Volkswagen.

Chapter 8 – Back to Le Mans
Bentley returns to racing with the EXP Speed 8 designed and built by Racing Technology Norfolk in Hingham. On its third attempt in 2003 it wins the Le Mans 24-hour race with a car driven by Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello and Guy Smith.

Chapter 9 – Building the Bentley Brand
Bentley introduces a new model line, the Continental GT, powered by a W12 engine, which establishes Bentley as a major player in the luxury car market. A Flying Spur saloon, a GT3 racing car and a new V8 engine follow.

Chapter 10 – Onwards and Upwards
Bentley diversifies with a new flagship saloon, the Mulsanne, and the controversial Bentayga SUV, alongside a new-generation Continental GT. Electrification begins with a plug-in hybrid Bentayga, with big plans for the future.

Model Specifications
Index