08/01/2025
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Here are ten unknown facts about :
1. Innovative Engine Design: Bentley's first production car, the 3 Litre, featured an advanced engine for its time, incorporating four valves per cylinder and dry-sump lubrication.
2. Aluminium Pistons in Aviation: During World War I, Bentley's use of aluminium alloy pistons in aircraft engines significantly improved performance and cooling efficiency.
3. The Bentley Boys: In the 1920s, a group of affluent British car enthusiasts and racing drivers, known as the Bentley Boys, played a pivotal role in promoting the brand and achieving success at events like the Le Mans 24 Hours.
4. First Mass-Produced SUV: The Bentley Bentayga, introduced in 2015, marked Bentley's entry into the luxury SUV market, combining high performance with opulent features.
5. Flying 'B' Emblem: The iconic flying 'B' hood ornament was first used on the 6ÂŊ Litre Bentleys in the late 1920s. Modern versions are designed to retract into the bonnet upon impact to enhance pedestrian safety.
6. Bentley Blower's Racing Legacy: The Bentley Blower, modified by racer Sir Henry Birkin to add a supercharger, is celebrated for its competitive spirit and association with the legendary "Bentley Boys," despite not finishing the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
7. Art Car Initiatives: Bentley has embraced the emerging genre of art cars, collaborating with artists to create unique, hand-painted vehicles that blend automotive design with artistic expression.
8. Sultan of Brunei's Extensive Collection: The 29th Sultan of Brunei amassed a vast collection of over 650 Bentleys by the end of the 1990s, commissioning bespoke models and customizations through Bentley's Mulliner division.
9. Bentley Heritage Collection: Bentley's Heritage Collection showcases significant models from the brand's century-long history, including the 1919 Bentley EXP2, the oldest surviving Bentley and its first race winner.
10. Electric Vehicle Plans: Bentley announced plans to launch its first electric vehicle, a luxury SUV, in 2026, and to extend the sales of plug-in hybrids until 2035, deviating from its earlier objective of becoming fully electric by 2030.
