In 1931, Rolls-Royce secretly acquired Bentley to eliminate a rival that was outperforming its top models. This merger lasted 67 years, during which Bentley’s identity shifted from a raw racing brand to a refined “Silent Sports Car.”
Production initially moved from London to Derby, and later to Crewe in 1946, with most Bentleys becoming refined versions of Rolls-Royce chassis and engines. This era produced icons like the 1952 R-Type Continental, once the world’s fastest four-seater. Under later ownership by Vickers, Bentley regained its performance edge with the Mulsanne Turbo, eventually outselling Rolls-Royce before the 1998 split.
Bentley 3.5-Litre
‘Silent sports car’ version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25 on a shorter wheelbase, with twin carbs; also a hypoid rear axle allowing lower propshaft and overall lines. half were by Park Ward; Vanden Plas & Hooper made some sports bodies.
Years
1933-7
Engine
3669cc S6 OHC
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, DHC, specials
Production
1177
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley 4.25-Litre
As with the Rolls-Royce, a bigger engine for heavier bodies, but slightly less smooth. Park Ward again made most, but there were many variations.
Years
1936-39
Engine
4257cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, DHC, specials
Production
1234
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley 4.25-Litre Mk V
Like the Rolls-Royce, coil ifs and a step towards post-war standardisation.
Years
1939
Engine
4257cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Saloon, DHC, specials
Production
11
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Bentley Mk VI
80% had Blatchley-designed standard bodies from Pressed Steel, Cowley; other bodies were often aluminium. Bigger engine from mid-1951. Early Silver Dawn based on this car.
Years
1946-52
Engine
4257/4566cc S6 IOE
Body Style
Saloon, DHC, specials
Production
5201
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley R-Type
Bigger boot. Automatic option later made standard. Later Silver Dawn based on this car.
Years
1952-55
Engine
4566cc S6 IOE.
Body Style
Saloon, DHC, specials
Production
2320
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley Continental R
Slightly higher performance engines. Fabulous aluminium bodies, usually by H. J. Mulliner. Could effortlessly cruise at 100 mph, with little wind noise, thanks to aerodynamic testing at Rolls-Royce. Fins were functional stabilisers.
Years
1952-55
Engine
.
Body Style
2-dr saloon
Production
207
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley S1
As Silver Cloud, but commoner.
Years
1955-59
Engine
.
Body Style
Saloon, a few specials
Production
3107
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental S1
Slightly higher performance engines. Attractive bodies, mostly by H. J. Mulliner or Park Ward. Fastest 4-seater in the world at the time.
Years
1955-59
Engine
.
Body Style
2-dr saloon, DHC.
Production
431
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley S2
As Silver Cloud
Years
1959-62
Engine
.
Body Style
Saloon
Production
1932
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental S2
Slightly higher performance engines. Fabulous bodies, by Mulliner Park Ward (now part of Rolls-Royce) or James Young, blending modern lines and performance with traditional craftsmanship and quiet.
Years
1959-62
Engine
6230cc V8 OHV
Body Style
2/4-dr saloon, DHC
Production
388
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley S3
As Silver Cloud
Years
1962-65
Engine
6230cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
1318
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental S3
The last Bentley wihout an exact Rolls-Royce equivalent for 20 years. Controversial front end styling at the time.
Years
1962-65
Engine
6230cc V8 OHV
Body Style
2-dr saloon; 4-dr Flying Spur saloon, DHC
Production
312
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley T1
As Silver Shadow. Coachbuilt 2-dr and DHC rare.
Years
1965-70/1970-76
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
2/4-dr saloon; DHC
Production
1712 + 155
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley T2 / Continental
As Silver Shadow. Corniche rebranded Continental from 1984
Years
1977-80/1977-94
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
2/4-dr saloon; DHC
Production
558 + 10 LWB + 501
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Mulsanne / S
As Silver Spirit
Years
1980-92
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
2039
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley Eight
Cheaper Mulsanne with cloth upholstery and mesh grille. Firmer suspension improved handling.
Years
1984-92
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
1734
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Turbo R
Mulsanne Turbo ran from 1982, but the Turbo R (“Roadholding”) brought radical handling improvements worthy of a real Bentley. ‘S’ and then new Turbo R in 1995. and the last cars were the ‘ultra’ RT version with Continental T engine.
Years
1985-98
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
5923 inc 252 RT
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Brooklands
Incremental improvements over Mulsanne (as per Silver Spirit II on but not always at the same time).
Years
1992-98
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Saloon
Production
1722
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley Continental R, T
Long-awaited Bentley coupé, uniquely since 1965 not using a Rolls-Royce body. By diverging from the Corniche, the car may have saved both brands, and laid the groundwork for their separation. World’s most expensive production car.
Years
1991-2003
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Coupé, S & (SWB – shown) T higher performance
Production
1546 + 349
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Bentley Azure
4-seater convertible grand tourer based on Continental R. Pininfarina assisted with the design work .
Years
1995-2003
Engine
6750cc V8 OHV
Body Style
Convertible GT
Production
1311
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
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