Bentley: History, Models, and Production Timeline

Bentley Motors is a British manufacturer of luxury cars and SUVs, renowned for combining exceptional performance with opulent craftsmanship. Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, the brand quickly established itself as a leader in high-performance luxury automobiles, dominating motorsports, including multiple victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s. Over the decades, Bentley became synonymous with elegance, power, and prestige, continuing to produce some of the world’s most luxurious vehicles.

Bentley Motors was founded in 1919 by Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley, whose vision was to build a fast car, "a good car, the best in its class." Bentley’s early models were known for their performance, winning multiple Le Mans races in the 1920s, cementing the brand’s reputation for speed and endurance. These victories earned Bentley a loyal following among enthusiasts and cemented its place as a luxury performance marque.

After facing financial difficulties during the Great Depression, Bentley was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931. This period saw Bentley models become more refined and luxurious, often sharing components with Rolls-Royce. In 1998, Bentley was purchased by the Volkswagen Group, which helped revive the brand and ushered in a new era of modern, high-performance luxury vehicles. Today, Bentley continues to blend tradition with innovation, producing cars that embody the pinnacle of British automotive excellence.

Bentley 3 Litre (1919 - 1929)

The Bentley 3 Litre was the company’s first production car, introduced in 1919. Powered by a 3.0L four-cylinder engine, it quickly became famous for its durability, speed, and performance, especially in motorsports. It was the car that helped Bentley win its first Le Mans title in 1924 and again in 1927.

The 3 Litre is often credited with establishing Bentley’s reputation for building fast, robust, and luxurious vehicles. Its engineering excellence and racing success made it one of the most desirable cars of its time, and it remains a classic in the world of vintage automobiles.

Bentley Continental GT (2003 - Present)

The Bentley Continental GT, introduced in 2003, marked a major turning point for Bentley under Volkswagen Group ownership. It was designed as a grand tourer with a focus on blending luxury and high performance. Powered by a 6.0L W12 engine in its early versions, the Continental GT could achieve top speeds of over 200 mph, making it one of the fastest luxury cars in the world.

The Continental GT has been continuously refined over the years, with updates to its design, technology, and performance. It is now available with a range of powerful engines, including a twin-turbocharged V8 and hybrid options. Its timeless design, luxurious interior, and powerful performance make it one of Bentley’s best-selling models.

Bentley Flying Spur (2005 - Present)

The Bentley Flying Spur is a luxury four-door sedan introduced in 2005 as the sedan counterpart to the Continental GT. It blends Bentley’s signature opulence with extraordinary performance, offering a range of engines, including W12 and V8 options, capable of delivering effortless power and speed.

Known for its spacious and exquisitely crafted interior, the Flying Spur is designed for those who demand both luxury and performance. The latest versions feature advanced technology, including all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, ensuring a dynamic driving experience while maintaining the highest levels of comfort.

Bentley Mulsanne (2010 - 2020)

The Bentley Mulsanne, introduced in 2010, was Bentley’s flagship luxury sedan and represented the ultimate in bespoke craftsmanship and performance. Named after the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, the Mulsanne was powered by a 6.75L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing immense power and effortless acceleration.

The Mulsanne was built entirely by hand at Bentley’s Crewe factory, with meticulous attention to detail and customization options for each buyer. It was one of the most luxurious sedans in the world, with features like reclining rear seats, high-end materials, and cutting-edge technology. Production ended in 2020, marking the end of an era for Bentley’s grandest limousine.

Bentley Bentayga (2016 - Present)

The Bentley Bentayga, launched in 2016, is Bentley’s first-ever SUV and represents a new chapter for the brand. Combining luxury, performance, and practicality, the Bentayga is powered by a range of engines, including a W12, V8, and hybrid options. It is known for its smooth ride, off-road capability, and opulent interior, which is hand-finished with the finest materials.

The Bentayga offers the highest levels of luxury in the SUV segment, with options for bespoke customization, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a spacious, comfortable cabin. It quickly became one of Bentley’s best-selling models, catering to the growing demand for luxury SUVs.

Bentley Arnage (1998 - 2009)

The Bentley Arnage was a full-size luxury sedan produced between 1998 and 2009. It represented a blend of classic Bentley luxury with modern performance. Initially powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4L V8, the Arnage was later equipped with Bentley’s own 6.75L V8, offering more power and refinement.

The Arnage was known for its hand-crafted interior, which featured the finest leathers, woods, and metals. It was a symbol of luxury and tradition, appealing to those who valued Bentley’s classic craftsmanship. The Arnage was eventually replaced by the Mulsanne in 2010.

Bentley Brooklands (1992 - 1998, 2008 - 2011)

The Bentley Brooklands was a full-size luxury coupe produced in two distinct periods, first from 1992 to 1998, and then as a limited-production model from 2008 to 2011. The original Brooklands was a stately sedan, powered by a V8 engine, offering traditional Bentley luxury with a focus on comfort and refinement.

The second-generation Brooklands was a high-performance luxury coupe, featuring a 6.75L V8 engine producing 530 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful Bentleys ever produced. Only 550 units were made, and each one was meticulously hand-crafted, offering bespoke luxury and performance in a two-door grand tourer.

Bentley Turbo R (1985 - 1999)

The Bentley Turbo R was introduced in 1985 as a high-performance version of the Bentley Mulsanne. Powered by a turbocharged 6.75L V8 engine, the Turbo R offered impressive power and torque, transforming Bentley’s traditionally stately sedans into high-performance luxury cars.

Known for its refined ride, luxurious interior, and surprising agility, the Turbo R became one of Bentley’s best-selling models of its era. Its mix of performance and opulence made it a favorite among enthusiasts who sought a powerful yet elegant driving experience. Production continued until 1999, and it remains a highly collectible model today.

Bentley Eight (1984 - 1992)

The Bentley Eight was introduced in 1984 as a more affordable entry-level Bentley aimed at younger buyers. It was powered by the same 6.75L V8 engine used in other Bentley models but was more modestly equipped to keep costs lower. Despite its more accessible pricing, the Bentley Eight retained the brand’s signature luxury and performance.

The Eight was designed to appeal to those looking for a less ostentatious Bentley while still enjoying the quality and craftsmanship the brand was known for. It was produced until 1992, after which it was replaced by more modern models.

Bentley S1, S2, S3 (1955 - 1965)

The Bentley S1, S2, and S3 were part of a series of full-size luxury cars produced between 1955 and 1965. The S1, introduced in 1955, was powered by a 4.9L straight-six engine and was known for its smooth ride and luxurious interior. In 1959, the S2 replaced the straight-six with a more powerful 6.2L V8, improving performance and refinement.

The S3, introduced in 1962, featured updated styling, including quad headlamps and a slightly more modern look. These models were known for their handcrafted bodies, built by famous coachbuilders like Mulliner and Park Ward. The S-series cars represent classic Bentley luxury from the mid-20th century.

Bentley Mark VI (1946 - 1952)

The Bentley Mark VI was the first post-war model from Bentley, introduced in 1946. It was also the first Bentley to be offered with a standard steel body, although coachbuilt versions were still available. Powered by a 4.3L inline-six engine (later increased to 4.6L), the Mark VI combined Bentley’s traditional craftsmanship with modern post-war engineering.

The Mark VI was well-regarded for its performance, reliability, and luxurious interior. It set the standard for Bentley’s post-war revival, and its success helped re-establish the brand in the luxury car market after the war. The Mark VI was succeeded by the Bentley R-Type in 1952.