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Bentley marks 100 years of extraordinary automotive innovation with a special Centenary Specification
To have a car that was exceptional above all others in form, function and performance—this was the exacting standard and desire that propelled engineer WO Bentley to take the bold first step in establishing Bentley Motors in 1919. Since then, innovations such as the 85hp Bentley 3-Litre monobloc engine, supercharged 4.5L engine and six-cylinder 8L engine have been at the heart of brave pursuits and glorious victories by racers known collectively as the Bentley Boys and Girls.
The pivotal moment that would see the marque become a dominant force in motorsport harks back to 1924, when Bentley Boys John Duff and Frank Clement won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in their 3-Litre Bentley. That would prove the start of Bentley’s dominance and its first of five victories at the endurance race in seven years. Just as significant was the manner in which Bentley Motors has defined the tenet of British luxury automobiles, with handcrafted grand tourers that weren’t just beautiful to look at, but as luxurious on the inside as they are fast on the road.