The summer season is usually all about sunshine and open roads. For Bentley’s Heritage Collection, it was also about making history and taking home trophies. The team has been working tirelessly to rejuvenate this incredible fleet. Now, the fruits of their labor are here for all to see. The collection is more than just a group of old cars. It is a living, breathing testament to over a century of incredible craftsmanship and engineering.
The Mk V Corniche Makes History at Pebble Beach
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a big deal. For the first time, a manufacturer-entered car was fully judged. That car was the one-of-one 1939 Bentley Mk V Corniche. This unique car has a long history. It was a 15-year project to bring it back to life. Dedicated enthusiasts started the work. Then Mulliner helped to finish it. The car now wears its original number plate. It even completed the Tour d’Elegance. This historic car is truly a testament to Bentley’s legacy.
Best in Class for the R Type Continental
The 1953 R Type Continental is an icon. It is considered the very origin of the Continental GT’s design DNA. This car, nicknamed ‘Jas,’ was entered into the Salon Privé Concours. It competed in a class for classic cars with Mulliner coachwork. The R Type had a recent restoration. It was a beautiful example of Bentley’s history. It successfully collected the very first Concours award. This win was a “Best-in-Class” trophy. The car and its trophy are now displayed at Bentley’s Heritage Garage.
W.O. Bentley’s 8 Litre Wins at Hampton Court
The Bentley 1930 8 Litre Weymann saloon is special. Many people call it W.O. Bentley’s finest achievement. The one in the collection is the second of the 100 ever built. W.O. Bentley himself drove this very car. He took it on regular trips to France. Today, it still serves a very special purpose. It is the ceremonial ‘Chairman’s car.’ It was entered into a new manufacturers class. The car won an award for the best manufacturer-entered car. Its victory shows the lasting importance of this legendary car.
The Collection Grows and Inspires
The Bentley Heritage Collection is now a fleet of 50 cars. This includes 40 road-legal cars. It also has 10 ready-to-run racing machines. The team in Crewe has worked hard. They have helped to rejuvenate the entire collection. Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, said the wins are a testament to their hard work. The fleet now represents the company’s entire history. These extraordinary vehicles showcase Bentley’s evolution. The whole collection is regularly used by R&D teams. They use the cars to help inform the brand’s future. The company will keep using these cars. They will guide new developments. They will also be showcased at events all over the world.
The Bentley Heritage Collection had a summer of success. It secured key wins at three major events. The 1939 Mk V Corniche made history at Pebble Beach. The 1953 R Type Continental won its class at Salon Privé. Finally, W.O. Bentley’s own 1930 8 Litre won at Hampton Court. These wins prove that Bentley’s history is alive and well. It is a legacy of design, performance, and craftsmanship.
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Source: Bentley
