|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| biography |
classifications |
major works |
cross references |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
biography
| name: |
Bentley, W(alter) O(wen)
|
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1889–1971)
|
| biography:
| Car manufacturer, born in London, UK. At age 16 he began work at the Great Northern Railway Locomotive Works in Doncaster, and in his spare time took to motorcycle racing with his brothers. In 1912 he joined the family firm, importing French DFP sports cars. After World War 1, Bentley Motors produced models that set many speed and endurance records, and the ‘Bentley Boys’ became inextricably linked with the history of the Le Mans 24 hour race, achieving a string of victories (1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930). Despite this success the company was beset by financial problems, and in 1931 was taken over by Rolls-Royce, who were later acquired by Volkswagen (1998). In 2001 a Bentley car competed in Le Mans for the first time since 1930 and finished a creditable third. Bentley Motors of Crewe were commissioned to design and build a new State Car to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. |
|
|
|
|
