Five models that made history at Bentley

Looking back at the history of the Bentley brand, which takes us back 103 years, we discover that the past has been very rich in highlights. Over the decades, this British manufacturer has given us models that have left their mark on the imagination and the automotive industry.

Let's take a look back at five vehicles that have left lasting memories, while helping to shape Bentley's image.

Bentley 3.0 Litre

The 3.0-liter is a car that was introduced over 100 years ago. It can be hard to understand its importance today, but you have to realize that this is when Bentley gave itself an identity. If things hadn't worked out with this car, the rest of the story would have been different.

But the 3.0-liter delivered the goods by winning the famous 24-hour race at Le Mans. In its class, it saw drivers take it to first place in 1924 and again from 1927 to 1930, inclusive. On the market today, the price of an example is around $300,000.

Blower 4.5

In 1931, Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley. This makes the Blower 4.5 version the last true Bentley before the takeover by the big rival. A 4.5 version already existed, but more power was desired at the end of the 1920s. A 6.0 version was then the solution with a bigger engine. It was a success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930 and 1931. However, Bentley driver Tim Birkin preferred the 4.5-liter and so it was decided to modify it. And that's what's amazing about this model, because it makes us realize how technologically advanced Bentley was at the time. And how was it modified? By adding supercharging to the 4.5-liter 8-cylinder engine to increase power from 110 to 175 horsepower. Ironically, the model was not a success on the racetrack. However, it is highly prized today because of its historical significance.

Continental R

Along with the Blower model and the superb 3.0-liter, the Continental R is considered the soul of Bentley. And this model, manufactured from 1952 to 1955, served as the inspiration for the modern variants of the Continental. At the time, this car had left a mark on the imagination. It could reach an incredible 185 km/h and with four people on board, it could comfortably cruise at 150 km/h on the highway. It was unheard of.

Only 208 were produced.

Continental GT

The Continental GT, much more modern, also shows that today, even if many manufacturers can offer performance cars, nothing can match a Bentley. With its spectacular lines, the Continental GT is not only beautiful to look at, it is fast as hell. This creation can accommodate a V12 engine and offer up to 700 horsepower. Historians, in 100 years, will still consider this car a classic.

Bentayga

No one would have thought that Bentley would ever offer an SUV. But it did, and the success of the Bentayga proves that customers were ready to make the transition. Yes, the brand will continue to offer cars, but the Bentayga is definitely not the only SUV the firm will market.

No matter what happens next, it will always have its place in history as the brand's first SUV.

The first all-electric Bentley will also have a special place in the brand's history.