However, W.O. put his plans to create a vehicle firm on hold to assist his nation during WWI. As a captain in the Royal Naval Air Service, he employed aluminium pistons to develop a more powerful and dependable fighter engine than previous models, which overheated and seized up in combat. The Sopwith Camel’s BR.1 Bentley Rotary engine made it the most successful British warplane ever.

W.O. Bentley was given an MBE in 1919 for his wartime contributions. The Commission of Awards to Inventors offered him £8,000 to establish his own automobile firm. Bentley Motors was founded 10 July 1919.

W.O. originally opposed racing at Le Mans because of its importance to the corporation. “It’s insane,” he remarked. “Cars aren’t meant for 24-hour stress.” He overcame his doubts after witnessing Frank Clement and John Duff finish fourth in 1923 in a Bentley 3 Litre. Bentley dominated the 24-hour event, winning five times in seven years and making headlines.

The 8-Litre was W.O.’s final masterpiece. Due to the straight-six engine’s power and torque, the firm said the 8-Litre could reach 100 mph regardless of the body. Due to the Wall Street Crash, just 100 8-Liters were built, but this remarkable automobile and its creator live on. A rare and spectacular automobile inspired by W.O.’s 8-Litre was made to mark Bentley’s centennial.

W.O.’s own automobile is proudly exhibited at the Crewe facility where Bentleys are made. On their first day, new CEOs are given the key as a memorial to the founder.

In 1919, his first automobile left New Street Mews, London. From humble origins, the firm pursued elegance and performance. This combination could seem contradictory if not for the brand’s five 1920s Le Mans wins and sixth in 2003. Bentley creates the most appreciated paradoxes on the road today.

W.O.’s vision is still followed over a century later. Bentley Motors, based in Crewe, England, and owned by Volkswagen AG since 1998, makes the world’s most desired high-performance grand tourers.

Since 1919, when W.O. Bentley started Bentley Motors, the company’s automobiles have been created and constructed by remarkable individuals utilising the finest materials. They’ve always had great individuals. Bentley drivers help alter the world, from the Bentley Boys and Girls who raced in the 1920s to today’s imaginative Bentley owners.

As a brand, Bentley are always looking forward, and this area includes their concept automobiles, like the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car, technical advances, and future vision for Bentley.

Bentley Motors established the ‘Beyond 100’ Manifesto in 2020 to become the world’s most sustainable luxury automaker. Their Five-in-Five strategy pledges to a new electric vehicle every year from 2025, all designed in Crewe and Five additional Bentayga Hybrid derivatives to meet customer needs.

In addition, £2.5 billion of sustainable investment is set to transform Bentley’s entire product portfolio and transform Crewe into a world-leading ‘Dream Factory’. By 2026, they aim to have embraced electrification, producing only plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles
From 2030 forward, every automobile will be electric. The Carbon Trust has certified the Bentley facility in Crewe as carbon-neutral.