In 1919, W.O. Bentley built his first car – the product of a passion for materials and fine craftsmanship that has defined Bentley over the company’s first 100 years. Barrett-Jackson was honored to partner with Bentley Motors to celebrate their Centenary, traveling with them across the country to find out just what makes Bentley the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world.
Taking home Best of Show at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was a 1931 Bentley 8-Liter Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie, the the first Bentley since 1965 to take home the highly coveted Best of Show prize at the world’s most prestigious automotive gathering.
Ruling the 18th Fairway: The Featured Marque at the 69th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Monterey Car Week saw Bentley further mark its centennial year with an incredible assortment of vehicles celebrating the brands past, present and future. As the featured marque of this year’s 69th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a multitude of Bentleys from across history lined up across the 18th fairway. Six distinctive classes comprised a quarter of the 2019 concours competitors, with 54 cars on display.
During the Rolex Monterey Motorsports reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 30 prewar Bentleys and current offerings took to the circuit following Rhys Millen’s record-setting Pikes Peak Bentley Continental and Bentley’s own 1929 4.5-liter Bentley Blower.
Close to the Lodge at Pebble Beach and set within the walls of a private home, Bentley brought the unparalleled craftsmanship of Crewe to America. The four-day showcase featured demonstrations of the highly intricate workings of the Bentley factory. This week-long automotive lifestyle celebration consisted of a series of unforgettable events and unique experiences in the true style and spirit of the original Bentley Boys.
Taking home Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was a 1931 Bentley 8-Liter Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer. Owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie, the stunning car was the first Bentley since 1965 to take home the highly coveted Best of Show prize at the world’s most prestigious automotive gathering.
The Bentley EXP 100 concept car.
Widely considered the “crown jewel” of Car Week, The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering played host to the North American debut of two all-new Bentleys: the third-generation Flying Spur and a look-to-the-future EXP 100 GT. The Flying Spur luxury sedan integrates stunning British craftsmanship and the highest levels of automotive excellence in technology.
Making its North American debut alongside the Flying Spur was the EXP 100 GT Concept, a reimagining of Grand Touring for the future. The concept is designed as a physical embodiment of the future of Bentley, showcasing what sustainable luxury will be in 2035. The all-electric GT symbolizes elite craftsmanship and the intelligent curation of technology. A sub 3-second 0-60 mph highlights the remarkable acceleration onto a top speed of 186 mph. The 1,100 ft/lbs of torque is produced via four motors at each wheel, while inside the cabin exudes a luxury that few else can muster.
In celebration of Bentley’s founding in 1919, the Monterey Peninsula played host to a swath of exciting and exclusive events that highlight the marque’s past, present and future. Bentley is prepared for what the future holds in the next 100 years.
The week was so jam-packed with special activities, it took two videos to cover it all! Enjoy them – and a gallery of highlights – below.
