One hundred years of the racing Bentley is illustrated by 100 pieces of memorabilia, including artefacts that once belonged to W.O. Bentley, F.T. Burgess, and J.D. Benjafield as well as items that epitomise the legendary race meetings at both Brooklands and Le Mans, including period photographs, posters and trophies.
In addition to the memorabilia, four iconic Bentley team cars will be on display in the main saleroom: the 1929 Brooklands 500-Mile Race winner; the 1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Open Tourer Team Car; ‘Old Number 3’ – the 1930 Speed Six Brooklands ‘Double Twelve’ runner-up and Le Mans entrant driven by Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee; and the 1925 Le Mans entry driven by Dudley Benjafield and Bertie Kensington Moir.
Sholto Gilbertson, Motoring Department Director at Bonhams, said: “This is an absolutely unmissable event for fans of British motoring. Bentley is one of the finest British creations, and it’s a privilege to be hosting this landmark exhibition at Bonhams. This collection of memorabilia and motor cars is unique in its breadth, and truly showcases the astonishing achievements of one of the world’s best-loved and most successful marques.”
The exhibition is open on one day only (Friday 12 April) and is free to attend – no tickets or registration are required.
Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary
In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.
The 10th of July 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year and this extraordinary milestone – reached by only a special few – will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history, its global success today and its exciting future.