Bentley Motors is a legendary British automaker renowned for its handcrafted luxury vehicles, blending unparalleled performance with exquisite craftsmanship. Founded in 1919, Bentley has become synonymous with opulence, power, and timeless design, catering to discerning drivers who demand the very best.
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Below, we explore Bentley’s fascinating origin story, its prestigious headquarters, career opportunities, key competitors, and how to connect with the brand—whether you’re an enthusiast, potential employee, or future owner.
Bentley Motors Origin Story
Founder & Early Days
Bentley Motors was founded in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley (W.O. Bentley), an engineer with a vision to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” The company’s first vehicle, the Bentley 3 Litre, debuted in 1921, setting the standard for performance and durability.
Bentley quickly gained fame in motorsports, dominating the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s with five victories—solidifying its reputation for speed and endurance. However, financial struggles led to its acquisition by Rolls-Royce in 1931, shifting its focus toward ultra-luxury vehicles while retaining its performance heritage.
Interesting Facts About Bentley
- Le Mans Dominance: Bentley’s 2003 return to Le Mans with the Speed 8 resulted in a historic 1st-place finish, proving its racing legacy was far from over.
- Royal Warrant Holder: Bentley has been the preferred car of British royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, who owned several bespoke models.
- Handcrafted Interiors: Each Bentley takes over 100 hours to hand-stitch its leather interiors, with wood veneers sourced from a single tree for consistency.
- The Flying B: The iconic “Flying B” hood ornament was introduced in the 1930s and remains a symbol of prestige.
- Volkswagen Era: Since 1998, Bentley has been owned by the Volkswagen Group, which revitalized the brand with modern classics like the Continental GT.
For more on Bentley’s heritage, visit:
🔗 Bentley Motors Official Website
🔗 Wikipedia: Bentley Motors
Exploring Bentley Motors Headquarters
Where Is the Bentley Headquarters?
Bentley’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are located in Crewe, England, where every vehicle is meticulously hand-built.
Address:
Bentley Motors Limited
Pyms Lane, Crewe
Cheshire, CW1 3PL
United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 (0) 1270 255 155
Official Website:
🔗 https://www.bentleymotors.com
Can You Tour the Bentley Factory?
Yes! Bentley offers factory tours where visitors can witness the craftsmanship behind each car. Tours must be booked in advance through:
🔗 Bentley Factory Tours
Leadership at Bentley Motors
Key Executives
- Adrian Hallmark – Chairman & CEO (2018–Present)
- Dr. Matthias Rabe – Board Member, Engineering
- Andreas Lehe – Board Member, Sales & Marketing
Leadership Philosophy
Bentley’s leadership emphasizes:
- Sustainable Luxury: Commitment to fully electric vehicles by 2030 (starting with the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept).
- Bespoke Craftsmanship: The Mulliner division customizes vehicles for elite clients, offering limitless personalization.
- Innovation & Tradition: Balancing cutting-edge technology with hand-built excellence.
Bentley Careers & Opportunities
How to Find Open Positions
Bentley offers roles in:
- Engineering & Design
- Manufacturing & Craftsmanship
- Corporate & Marketing
Job Portals:
🔗 Bentley Careers Page
🔗 LinkedIn Bentley Jobs
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Apprenticeship programs for skilled trades
- Exclusive employee lease schemes (discounted Bentley rentals)
- On-site wellness programs
How to Contact Bentley Motors
Customer Support & Inquiries
- General Inquiries: [email protected]
- Press & Media: [email protected]
- Bespoke Requests (Mulliner): [email protected]
Dealership Locator
Find your nearest Bentley dealer:
🔗 Bentley Dealerships
Main Competitors
Rolls-Royce
Bentley’s long-time rival, Rolls-Royce, competes in ultra-luxury sedans and SUVs, emphasizing even more exclusivity (and higher price tags).
Aston Martin
While more sports-oriented, Aston Martin’s DBX SUV and limited-run models appeal to similar high-net-worth buyers.
Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes’ ultra-luxury division, Maybach, rivals Bentley with opulent S-Class sedans and GLS SUVs.
Lamborghini (Urus)
The Urus SUV attracts performance-focused luxury buyers who might otherwise consider the Bentley Bentayga.
Final Thoughts on Bentley Motors
Bentley remains the gold standard for British luxury motoring, blending heritage, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship. Whether you’re dreaming of owning a Continental GT, touring the Crewe factory, or joining Bentley’s elite workforce, the brand continues to define automotive excellence.
Which Bentley model is your favorite? Share your thoughts below! 🚗💨