Bentley Founder W.O. Bentley: Life and Legacy
Walter Owen Bentley founded his namesake car company in 1919. His vision of "a fast car, a good car, the best in its class" continues to guide the brand.
Walter Owen Bentley, widely known as W.O. Bentley, established Bentley Motors on July 10, 1919. His ambition was to create a vehicle that embodied speed, quality, and class-leading performance.
Over a century later, the Bentley name is synonymous with luxury and performance. The company's origins trace back to W.O. Bentley's early life, including a period working on railways and his burgeoning passion for automobiles. His early experiences in motorsport and his contributions to aircraft engine development during World War I significantly shaped his later automotive designs.
W.O. Bentley's notable innovations, such as the implementation of aluminum pistons, substantially enhanced engine power and durability. These advancements were crucial to Bentley's early successes, particularly its dominant performance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race during the 1920s. These victories solidified the marque's reputation for building high-performance luxury cars.
Today, Bentley, part of the Volkswagen Group since 1998, continues to pursue W.O. Bentley's founding vision. Based in Crewe, UK, the company remains focused on producing high-performance luxury grand tourers that blend opulence with uncompromising engineering. W.O. Bentley's enduring legacy is integral to the company's identity and ongoing development.