Bentley Motors Car History In Hindi: Bentley Motors is one of the most famous and luxury car manufacturers in the world. The company is known for its high quality, stunning designs and advanced engineering. Bentley cars are not only the epitome of luxury but also an excellent example of performance and engineering.
Establishment and early days (Bentley Motors Establishment)
Born in 1888 as the youngest of nine siblings, Walter Owen Bentley – who preferred to be known as WO, Bentley Motors was founded on January 18, 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley in Cricklewood, England. WO Bentley initially worked on making airplane engines. During World War I, his company developed the “Rotary Aero Engine”, which was widely acclaimed.
After the war ended, WO Bentley started an automobile company to fulfill his ambition. Their goal was ‘to create cars of the best quality and highest performance.’ His first car, the Bentley 3 Litre, was launched in 1921. The car became famous for its excellent engineering and racing capabilities.
Flying B
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In the 1920s, the mascot was a classic automotive accessory. These small artisan sculptures were symbols of power and speed. Used to register your presence with pride. Along with creating Bentley’s Winged B badge, renowned artist F. Gordon Crosby also designed an ‘Icarus’ bonnet mascot. It appeared in early Bentley catalogues. But never went into production, possibly due to copyright infringement. Instead, owners of Cricklewood-era Bentleys in the mid-1920s were given the first company-sanctioned Flying Bee mascot as an option. It was a decorated, raised brass ‘B’ with horizontally extended wings. This was also probably designed by Crosby.
Winged B
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Before the creation of the first mascot, Bentley Wings existed only in two-dimensional form. When WO Bentley started his car company in 1919, he needed a logo that would symbolize his quest to push the boundaries of performance. He asked his friend F. He turned to Gordon Crosby, the most famous motoring artist of the pre-war years. Crosby created the original Winged B, with Bentley’s ‘B’ between two wings, symbolizing the joy of speed.
This probably also reflected the background of WO Bentley, who was a designer of fighter aircraft engines during the First World War. Crosby designed each feather with a different number of feathers to make it completely unique, to avoid imitations.
racing success
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Bentley took the racing world by storm in the 1920s and 1930s. Bentley dominated the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The company won this prestigious race in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930. These victories established Bentley as a premium brand. The ‘Bentley Boys’ had a big hand in these successes. The Bentley Boys were a group of wealthy and adventurous racers who made a name for themselves in the racing world by driving Bentley cars. These include names like Woolf Barnato, Tim Birkin, and Glen Kidston.
Economic challenges and acquisition of Rolls-Royce- The Great Depression of the 1930s left Bentley Motors in serious financial trouble. In 1931, the company went bankrupt. Rolls-Royce purchased Bentley Motors and took it under its control.
Following the acquisition of Rolls-Royce, Bentley moved its headquarters to Derby. The manufacturing of new Bentley cars started from here. However, Rolls-Royce maintained Bentley as an independent brand and positioned it as a line of high-performance luxury cars.
World War II and its aftermathDuring World War III, Bentley ceased car production and concentrated on manufacturing military equipment. After the war, the company began to develop its products again.
In 1952 Bentley launched one of its most famous cars, the Bentley R-Type Continental. This car was the fastest 4-seater car of that time and its design and performance are admired even today.
1950s to 1990s: The era of luxury and engineering
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In the 1950s and 1960s, Bentley built cars using platforms from Rolls-Royce. However, there were differences in design and features between the cars of both the brands. Bentley’s focus was always more on performance.
In the 1970s, Bentley sales declined. At the time, Bentley was considered to be in the shadow of Rolls-Royce. However, the company made its mark again in the 1980s with the launch of the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo. The car was a symbol of Bentley’s racing heritage and modern technology.
Volkswagen acquisition
In 1998, Bentley Motors was purchased by the German automobile company Volkswagen Group. After this acquisition, Bentley received a new direction and new energy. Volkswagen developed new models for Bentley and brought it to the top of the luxury and performance car market.
Under Volkswagen, Bentley launched the Continental GT in 2003, which proved to be a major success. This car is known for its design, performance and luxury. The Continental GT took Bentley to new heights on a global scale.
Modern era: post-2000
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Bentley expanded its product portfolio in the 2000s. The company introduced models like Continental Flying Spur, Bentayga (SUV) and the new Mulsanne.
Bentayga: Introducing the luxury SUV
In 2015, Bentley launched its first luxury SUV, the Bentayga. This car not only exemplifies great design and luxury, but also has off-road capabilities. The Bentayga established Bentley at the top of the luxury SUV market.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs)- Keeping environmental protection and innovative technology in mind, Bentley launched its first hybrid car in the 2020s. The company has set a target of becoming a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030.
Bentley production and headquarters
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Bentley Motors is headquartered in Crewe, England. It is also the main production center of the company. Every Bentley car is made by hand here.
Bentley’s plant in Crewe is a wonderful blend of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship. The creation of every Bentley car requires the utmost attention, patience and skill.
Famous models of Bentley- Bentley’s history includes many iconic models. Some of the prominent ones are:
Bentley 3 Liter (1921): Bentley’s first car, renowned for its racing capabilities.
Bentley Blower (1929): This car was a favorite of the Bentley Boys and became famous in the world of racing.
Bentley R-Type Continental (1952): The fastest and most luxurious 4-seater car of that time.
Bentley Mulsanne (1980): The epitome of Bentley’s modern era luxury cars.
Bentley Continental GT (2003): One of Bentley’s most successful cars, which took the global market by storm.
Bentley Bentayga (2015): The first luxury SUV, which gave Bentley entry into new markets.
Brand identity and market place
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Bentley has always been the epitome of luxury and performance. It aims to attract customers who value luxury, power, and exclusivity. The Bentley name ranks among the highest for its excellent standards in racing, engineering and design.
Bentley and motorsports
Bentley has deep ties to motorsports. Its historic victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours race made the brand an iconic name. In 2003, Bentley again participated in Le Mans and won with the Continental GT Speed car.
Recognizing its responsibility towards the environment, Bentley has pledged to become a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030. The company has launched a plan called ‘Beyond100’, which focuses on the development of electric and hybrid vehicles.
