| Have you ever seen the winged "B" badge of the | | | | saw it as a symbol of rough driving. Somewhat in |
| Bentley and felt like flying? If yes, you are not the only | | | | order to break this image, Bentley Motors |
| one! People all around the world dream of owning a | | | | manufactured a bewitching limousine passenger car. |
| Bentley and why not, its stature is just too big not to | | | | But by this time, the great depression had taken its toll |
| be desired! Bentley Motors was established in England | | | | on Bentley Motors, leaving it in financial doldrums. |
| in January 1919. The founder was Walter Owen | | | | Hence it was decided to sell the firm. Thus Rolls |
| Bentley. Walter Owen was always fascinated by | | | | Royce took over Bentley Motors in a very dramatic |
| combustible engines and racing motorcycles, like most | | | | manner in 1931. At that time Bentley was the most |
| young boys are, and the Bentley was an outcome of | | | | formidable rival of Rolls Royce and the world saw this |
| this passion. Bentley Motors has a history full of turns | | | | as a mega deal for Rolls Royce. Actually it was good |
| and twists and quite an interesting one too! Lets skim | | | | news for Bentley (in one way at least), that their baby |
| through its pages. The manufacturing of the Bentley | | | | would at least be in some experienced hands. Thus |
| started with a 3-litre engine car which was very | | | | the Bentley was actually with Bentley Motors only till |
| advanced for its times. It had four cylinders, single | | | | 1931. The Volkswagen Group ,a German company, |
| overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and | | | | has been the owner of Bentley since 1998. The |
| twin-spark ignition via two magnetos. But it did make | | | | Bentleys are manufactured at the Crewe factory in |
| some noise. It is said, that this noise once irritated a | | | | England. The various current and popular models of |
| nurse who was attending to a dying patient. To | | | | this car are Arnage, Azure, Continental GT, Continental |
| everyone's surprise, a person present there had then | | | | Flying Spur and Continental GTC. Luxury, elegance and |
| said 'A happy sound to die to"! Such was the beginning | | | | comfort characterize all the Bentleys. Features like |
| of the Bentley! The Bentley was and is primarily known | | | | emergency fuel shut-off device, child safety door locks |
| as a racing car. It has won many Le Mans trophies. | | | | located on rear doors, engine immobilizer, front seatbelt |
| The Le Mans is a 24-hour car endurance test held in | | | | height adjusters, fog lights, anti-theft protection, airbags |
| France. It tests a car to it limits and those who can | | | | with occupant sensors, computers keeping track of |
| sustain the grill, command tremendous respect and | | | | average speed, average fuel consumption, |
| awe in the automobile market. These races also | | | | instantaneous fuel consumption and range for |
| provided a huge advertisement for the Bentley. The | | | | remaining fuel, keyless entry operated via key fob, tire |
| first Bentley,the 3-litre car, participated and came a | | | | pressure monitor, separate driver/front passenger |
| very respectable 4th! From then on, there was no | | | | climate controls, rear window defroster, heated |
| looking back and Bentley motors went on to make | | | | washer system, bluetooth incorporated telephone |
| some of the finest cars ever known. Sometimes the | | | | system, electric foldable mirrors, ashtrays, full maps, |
| manufacturing was so slow that the cars were made | | | | remote controlled DVD, several speakers, headlight |
| just before delivery and at times even the | | | | cleaners, leather seats, tinted glass ,a variety of interior |
| demonstration cars had to be sold. But their popularity | | | | lighting, etc. make the Bentley, a precious buy. The |
| never ceased to soar. In reality fewer people bought | | | | Azure also has a sunroof/moonroof and a removable |
| them due to their high prices but still everyone secretly | | | | convertible top! The Bentley cars are immediately |
| thought of taking control of one of these. After a few | | | | recognizable by the huge headlights they flaunt. But |
| years, it was announced that Bentley Motors would | | | | unlike their easy to spot features, they are very difficult |
| retire from racing as they were falling short of money. | | | | and intricate to make! The Bentley is known as a highly |
| As well as this, all the rash race driving was giving the | | | | reliable, sturdy and versatile car. Versatile, as it |
| common man a very bad impression about the car. | | | | combines uncompromising luxury with enviable |
| Some people were wary of buying the car, as they | | | | performance and reliability. |