History

January 18, 1919 Bentley Motors Founded
Bentley Motors was established in London, England. A manufacturer of sports cars and luxury automobiles, Bentley was acquired by Rolls-Royce in November, 1931. From that point forward, the Bentley line acquired more and more features of the Rolls-Royce, until the two makes became nearly indistinguishable.

Bentley Continental GT At Le Mans
Bentley Motors continues to play the Le Mans card for all it's worth, and the latest ploy is that, before its official launch, a Continental GT has been to the circuit the company likes to think of as its "spiritual home".

In fact, the party included a pre-production GT (pictured), the EXP Speed 8 which finished fourth at Le Mans this year, five-times Le Mans winner and Bentley consultant Derek Bell, the company's design director Dirk van Braeckel, and Brian Gush, head of Team Bentley. Of course, it does all make sense. As well as having won the 24-hour race on five occasions, Bentley was the only non-French make in the first two events, in 1923 and 1924 - the year of its first victory.

Brian Gush says that, for Bentley, Le Mans "is no mere marketing gimmick. In areas such as electronics, weight saving, engine efficiency and quick-response working practices, the lessons learned from the last two Le Mans [an EXP Speed 8 finished third in 2001 and fourth in 2002] have already been invaluable." Team Bentley's 2003 season will begin with the Sebring 12 Hours in Florida, and it will have a two-car entry at Le Mans, where the Continental GT will once again feature, although not on the circuit.