Other models Bentley

Walter Owen Bentley founded the brand bearing his name in 1919 in London. His goal was to build powerful, fast, impressive cars (“the fastest trucks in the world,” as Ettore Bugatti would say), capable of excelling in racing (five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930) as well as meeting the expectations of sports car enthusiasts from the British aristocracy. The company was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931.

In 1998, after the Vickers Group put Rolls-Royce and Bentley up for sale, the Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley along with the historic Crewe plant, while BMW purchased the Rolls-Royce brand. After 67 years of shared history, the two companies thus became rivals once again and have not shared any components since then.

In the eyes of collectors of pre-war models, the Bentley Speed Six and the monumental 8-Liter are the most coveted cars. Subsequently, the most sought-after Bentleys are the Continental models produced from 1952 to 1965—truly exceptional automobiles, handcrafted in very limited numbers; we are thinking in particular of the iconic Continental Flying Spur sedan based on the Bentley S. In the contemporary era, the Continental GT coupes equipped with the super-powerful twin-turbo W12 engine of VW origin are already collectors’ items worthy of interest.

The most powerful Bentley is the current Continental GT, launched in 2024. Its hybrid powertrain, featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor housed in the transmission, produces 782 horsepower. The car has a top speed of 335 km/h.

It all depends on the era. While pre-war 8-Litre models and the 1952 Type R Continental can fetch over a million euros, you can drive away in an 80s Eight sedan for as little as €14,000. Between these two extremes, the sumptuous Continental coupes and convertibles from the 1960s range from €180,000 to €300,000. Closer to the present day, the first Continental GT coupes with W12 engines are available starting at €25,000.

The Bentley lineup currently consists of three models: the Continental GT, available as a coupe and a convertible; the Flying Spur sedan; and the Bentayga SUV. These cars are powered either by a hybrid system paired with a V6 engine or by a supercharged V8 engine, which powers the high-performance variants known as the Speed models. According to the manufacturer, the very first all-electric Bentley is expected to debut in 2026.

Still built on a separate chassis, the very first Continental Type R is undoubtedly the archetype of the luxurious grand touring coupe of the immediate postwar era. Subsequent models, featuring the brand’s famous V8 engine starting in 1959, also have their devotees—particularly the coupes and convertibles designed by Mulliner Park Ward in the “ponton” style. Closer to our time, the Bentley Corniches, equivalents of the eponymous Rolls-Royces but far rarer, can captivate the most discerning enthusiasts.

Like any exceptional vehicle, a Bentley must undergo thorough and meticulous inspections. These are complex automobiles that do not tolerate any shortcuts when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

• Vehicle history: Verify that the maintenance log is complete and that all work has been performed by qualified workshops or within the manufacturer’s official network.
• Overall condition and specific inspections: A thorough inspection by a brand specialist may be necessary, particularly for models manufactured before 1998.
• Fuel consumption: Equipped with powerful engines and a displacement well above average, Bentleys have significant fuel consumption. This is a point to consider before making a commitment!
• Maintenance and repair costs: Bentleys are rare automobiles, designed and built without compromise. Maintenance and repairs on these cars must be performed by certified professionals or within the brand’s network, which means you’ll need to set aside an appropriate budget.
• Reliability and potential issues: Until 1965, post-war Bentleys generally pose no particular problems as long as they have been carefully maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Models produced after this date (T-Series, Mulsanne, Turbo R) are more technically complex and require special attention, particularly regarding the hydraulic system.

By taking all these precautions, you can protect yourself against potential disappointments that might arise from a hasty purchase decision.

To learn more about the different models and choose the one that best suits your needs, feel free to request a custom search.