Silverstone classic 2017 see's the return of the Bentley Boys to give an all out racing experience.

• Kidston Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars makes welcome return
• Evocative 50+ car grid takes festival-goers right back in time     
• Aston Martins, Bugattis, Frazer Nashes and Lagondas
• Significant discounts available with Early Bird tickets

Next summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature more than eight decades of glittering motor sport history, with confirmation that the acclaimed Kidston Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars is returning to the packed on-track programme in 2017.

The inaugural Kidston Trophy was a real crowd-pleaser when introduced for the event’s special Silver Jubilee celebrations in 2015. 

A captivating grid of more than 50 eye-catching entries dating right back to the dawn of circuit racing took to the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit for a dazzling 40-minute showdown, complete with a mandatory pit-stop and optional driver change. 

It was an enthralling spectacle featuring legendary marques such as Alvis, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Invicta and Lagonda that – by popular demand – will be repeated on Saturday morning at the 2017 Classic.

Though victory went to the Frazer Nash Super Sports shared by experienced racers Fred Wakeman and Pat Blakeney-Edwards, it was the sight of a dozen iconic Bentleys that really caught the imagination of the 100,000 festival-goers – rightly so, as the Kidston Trophy was named in honour of one of the famed ‘Bentley Boys’ of the late 1920s.

Glen Kidston was a real life Boy’s Own hero. Back in 1914, he survived being torpedoed twice in the same morning when serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. 

By the mid-1920s, he was a submarine Commander himself and when not at sea he set records as an aviator, hill climbed, conducted motorcycle speed trials on sand and raced cars, winning the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours in the Bentley Speed Six he shared with Woolf Barnato. 

Having survived several serious scrapes, Kidston sadly lost his life less than a year later when the de Havilland Puss Moth he was flying broke up in mid-air during a dust storm over the Drakensberg Mountains in southern Africa.

 

It took quite a grid to represent such a buccaneering character, but Motor Racing Legends succeeded in 2015 and its chairman, Duncan Wiltshire, is predicting another amazing turnout in July.

“We were completely blown away by the fabulous entry last time,” admitted Wiltshire. “The amazing quality and quantity of these wonderfully evocative cars proved incredibly popular both when on display in the paddock and when racing out on the track. 

They may not lap quite as fast as some of the slightly more modern machines from later epochs competing at the Silverstone Classic, but they are certainly every bit as spectacular.”

“It’s hard to beat the magnificent sight of so many intrepid drivers sawing away at their wooden steering wheels, fighting for grip on such narrow tyres,” agreed Nick Wigley, CEO of Silverstone Classic organiser Goose Live Events. 

“It’s not something fans of modern motor sport ever experience and is one of the many marvellous reasons that historic motor racing today is becoming more and more popular with those of all ages. 

We’re delighted to have these epic Pre-War Sports Cars back on the bill – they really do add yet another incredible dimension to what is always a fantastic show.”   

The return of the Kidston Trophy is just one of the many on-track highlights already announced for the 2017 Silverstone Classic. Full details can be found on the silverstoneclassic.com website together with information on how to take full advantage of the Early Bird tickets currently on sale. 

Adult admission starts from just £35 and the cost of the three-day weekend ticket has been frozen at £99 if purchased before the end of March. Family tickets, camping and VIP Hospitality packages are also available. All tickets must be booked in advance of the event.

Full information about the 2017 Silverstone Classic entertainment programme – including more exciting new races, special car club celebrations and live music performers – will be announced in the coming weeks. All the latest news will be available at silverstoneclassic.com and via its social media platforms.

The fifth Annual Concours of Elegance will take place at Windsor Castle, with the Bentley Sunday being the day to go.

• More than 150 Bentley models on display at Windsor Castle on ‘Bentley Sunday’
• New Bentayga and Mulsanne to appear alongside historic cars
  such as the Speed-Six and 8-Litre
• Trophy of Elegance awards to be presented to best customer Bentleys
• Special display celebrates two iconic Bentleys introduced during Her Majesty The Queen’s lifetime; State Limousine also on display

In a display of automotive excellence, more than 150 Bentleys will grace the grounds of Windsor Castle at this year’s Concours of Elegance (2-4 September).

Now in its fifth year, the Concours of Elegance has established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious motoring gatherings, convening the finest cars at Britain’s stunning Royal palaces.

As a key partner of the Concours, Bentley will be presenting a range of models from its past and present – from the famous 1930 Six-Speed Van den Plas Tourer ‘Old Number 2’ (which won the Brooklands Double 12), to the new Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase and Bentayga.

On Friday 2 September, Bentley will showcase three cars that bring to life the story of the marque’s pinnacle luxury flagship, the Mulsanne. Chassis No. 2 is a perfect example of the first Mulsanne produced, while the two members of the current Mulsanne family on display offer different interpretations of Bentley’s flagship.

The Mulsanne Speed focuses on performance and power, offering 537 PS and 1,100 Nm torque (530 bhp / 811 lb.ft), while the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase offers an additional 250 mm of rear legroom for those who prefer to be driven in unrivalled luxury and style.

‘Bentley Sunday’ sees two Trophy of Elegance awards given to the best customer cars (pre- and post-1965) selected from the 150 Bentleys expected to gather at the prestigious event.

On the same day, to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th year, Bentley will exhibit three cars as part of a special display of iconic vehicles launched during her lifetime. Included will be the very first examples of the Continental GT and Bentayga to roll off the production line at Bentley’s factory in Crewe. Her Majesty The Queen’s State Limousine, perhaps the most famous example of a modern coachbuilt Bentley, will also form part of this display.

Bentley Motors is a Warrant Holder to HM The Queen and is proud to have supplied the Bentley State Limousine, the official transport of The Sovereign, on the occasion of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

Famous Bentley 'Blue Train' heritage model wins four prizes at prestigious concours event

• Famous heritage model wins four prizes at prestigious concours event
• 2015 marks 85^th anniversary of Cannes to London ‘Blue Train’ race
• Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition by Mulliner available

Some 85 years after the famous victory that made its name, the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ is still enjoying winning ways, picking up four prestigious awards at the Schloss Bensberg Classics event in Germany.

The Speed Six ‘Blue Train’ coupe, owned by Mr Bruce McCaw, dominated the field at the invitation-only event, which is one of Europe’s premier classic concours shows. It was named ‘Best in Class: The Style of Speed’; ‘Best of Show: Public Vote’; ‘Best of Show: Jury Vote’; and ‘Best in Special Category: Pre-War Closed Models.

There was also a category win for the Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur (1958), which took the ‘Driving out in Style: Four-door Luxury Sports Saloons (Post-War)’ title.

Robert Engstler, Regional Director Bentley Europe, commented: “The four awards won by the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ at this prestigious event prove once again that this car is one of the most legendary vehicles of all times.”

The ‘Blue Train’ Bentley

It was 85 years ago that Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (or ‘Blue Train’) back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel.

He was, and the remarkable victory has resonated with Bentley enthusiasts ever since. The car that was believed to have accomplished the feat was the iconic Gurney Nutting two-door fastback coupe.

In recent years evidence has emerged to suggest Barnato drove his Mulliner saloon-bodied Speed 6, however, it is the coupe that will forever be known as the Blue Train car.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition

To commemorate this historic feat, Bentley Motors has produced a Limited Edition – the Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’.

The ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition is produced by the skilled craftsmen and women of Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner. Each features a number of delightful historical references and modern interpretations of design details from the original Speed Six.

For example, the fluting pattern in the door panels and the rear quarter inserts echo the interior of Barnato’s original car. The dashboard facia features an expertly crafted veneer image of the original Bentley ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six. Meanwhile, the treadplate plaques bear the wording ‘Blue Train 85 Years’ and the front grille features a square mesh design inspired by original Speed Six.

Schloss Bensberg Classics

The 2015 Concours d’Elégance at the Schloss Bensberg Classics is a FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) A-rated event, the highest rating FIVA bestows. The grounds of Bensberg Palace outside Cologne provide the perfect setting for the line-up of weekend activities, which see some of the world’s finest and rarest classic cars on display.

The extraordinary Bentley “Blue Train” car to appear at Rétromobile 2015

• The extraordinary “Blue Train” car to appear at Rétromobile 2015
• The 1930 Bentley 6½ Litre Speed Six with Gurney Nutting coachwork, starts its 85^th anniversary in style

Bentley Motors is delighted to announce that the legendary Speed Six Bentley known as The Blue Train will celebrate the start of its 85^th anniversary with an exclusive first appearance at the Rétromobile Exhibition this week in Paris (Hall 1, Stand P43).

In 1930, Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, and also a true “Bentley Boy” having entered and won the Le Mans 24 hours three times, was staying in Cannes at the Carlton Hotel with his golfer friend, Dale Bourn. He accepted a wager that he could not only beat the Blue Train to Calais, as had been done before, but could be at his club in London before the train reached Calais.

On the day of the race, he finished his drink in the bar at the Carlton hotel when he heard the train had departed at 17.54. He had arranged for fuel stations to remain open through the night in Aix-En-Provence and Lyon, and a tanker lorry in Auxerre, and despite a puncture near Paris, he reached Boulogne with an hour to spare. 

He arrived at the Conservative Club in St James, London for a celebratory drink having passed the clock at Victoria Railway Station at 15.30 the next day, four minutes before the train was due to arrive in Calais, having averaged 43.43 mph driving on pre-motorway roads. He won the £100 wager, although the Automotive Club de France attempted to fine him £200 for an un-authorised race in France.

Richard Charlesworth, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, comments: “We are most grateful to Bruce McCaw for the loan of his legendary Bentley Speed Six. There are many exciting plans for the car to mark its 85^th anniversary, including a recreation of the original run from Cannes to London.”

The Speed Six evolved in 1929 as a racing version of the 6½ Litre, introduced in 1926. The first car raced as No 1 at Le Mans in 1929 where it won, and returned as ‘Old No 1’ to win again in 1930. A total of 182 Speed Sixes were built between 1929 – 1930 with a variety of body styles and types from several coachbuilders. Speed Six Chassis No HM 2855 was delivered to Bentley Chairman Woolf Barnato by Coachbuilder Gurney Nutting in May 1930. Barnato had many Bentleys personally commissioned to suit his requirements, all were bespoke, ‘one off’ vehicles.

In recent years evidence has come to light that suggests that although the car appeared in the Terence Cuneo painting of the race, it may be that it was in fact another Speed Six with a Mulliner Saloon body, also owned by Barnato, that actually accomplished the feat. It remains a mystery, the truth will never be known for sure, but this unique car remains one of the most striking, stylish and famous vintage Bentleys from that era.

Introduction first registered May 1930

Body Gurney Nutting Speed Six

Engine 6-cylinders, in-line; front; 100 mm x 140 mm, 6597 cc; compr 5.3:1; 180 bhp (134.23 kW) @ 3500 rpm; 27.8 bhp (20.34 kW)/L

Engine Structure 4-valves, double springs; 8-bearing camshaft, 3-throw coupling rod drive; cast iron cylinder block with stainless steel jacket plates; single port block; 2 vertical HVG5 SU carburettors; two champion plugs per cylinder; Bosch magneto and Delco-Remy coil; Autovac fuel system; 8‑bearing camshaft, with damper; water-cooled

Transmission rear wheel drive; sdp clutch; 4-speed C-Type gearbox, right hand change; spiral bevel final drive 3.53:1

Chassis pressed steel frame 0.188 in (4.77 mm), 7 cross-members; semi‑elliptic leaf springs; Bentley and Draper friction dampers; self-wrapping, Dewandre servo mechanical brakes, front Bentley-Perrot; 15.75 in (40 cm) drums; worm and sector steering; 25 gal (113.6 1) fuel tank; Dunlop tyres 21 x 6.00, rear 21 x 7.00; Rudge-Whitworth centre lock wire wheels

Dimensions wheelbase 140.5 in (356.87 cm), track 56 in (142.2 cm), length 187 in (474.9 cm), width 68.5 in (173.99 cm), ground clearance 7.25 in (18.4 cm), turning circle 47.5 ft (14.5 m)

Equipment Smith & Jaeger instruments, white figures black faces, German silver parallel-sided radiator shell; Green Label badges. Zeiss headlamps; Bosch electrics; Hobson fuel telegauge; brake vacuum gauge

Performance maximum speed 92 mph (147.7 km/h) – 100 mph (160.9 km/h), fuel consumption 15 mpg (18.83 l/100 km)

Price Chassis £1800

Production 1

Beautiful Bentleys from past and present at Hampton Court Palace

• Beautiful Bentleys from past and present at Hampton Court Palace
• Bentley key sponsor of 5-7 September Concours
• Luxury and performance from across the eras

Some of the finest examples of the Bentley marque are set to shine at the 2014 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace this September. Five Bentleys will feature in the 60 exceptional cars chosen for this year’s Concours, with owners from around the world displaying their cars in the Fountain Gardens at Hampton Court.

Among the Bentleys will be a 1931 8 Litre Park Ward Sports Saloon. Regarded as one of the finest models to have been created by the company’s founder W.O. Bentley, the 8-litre combined breath-taking performance for a grand saloon (it was capable of 100mph in 1930) with the height of bespoke luxury and comfort. A press review of the time simply described the 8 Litre as “motoring in its very highest form.”

Bentley Motors, a key sponsor of the Concours, will also present a range of exciting cars representing the company’s enduring commitment to luxury and performance. A remarkable double Le Mans winning car, known affectionately as Old No 1, will take pride of place in the Bentley display. The Speed Six racer won the iconic 24 hours endurance race in successive years (1929 and 1930) and recently thundered up the famous hill at Goodwood.

Bringing the Bentley performance story right up to date is the new Continental GT3-R. Inspired by Bentley’s Continental GT3 race car which has stormed to back-to-back victories Silverstone and Paul Ricard in its debut season in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the Continental GT3-R blends proven track and road credentials, and is a highly exclusive and potent interpretation of performance-focused luxury.

Powered by Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, this two-seater GT develops 580 PS (572 bhp / 426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque and reaches 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds; establishing the GT3-R as the fastest accelerating road-going Bentley of all time. The 2014 Concours of Elegance will mark one of the first opportunities to see the Bentley GT3-R.

Bentley’s contribution to creating some of the world’s most luxurious and elegant cars will be showcased with the appearance of the company’s new Flying Spur V8 and flagship Mulsanne.

Hand-built at the company’s Crewe headquarters and combining state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship using the finest wood veneers and leather, the Mulsanne saloon is the modern successor to cars like the 8 Litre and iconic Blue Train Bentley Speed Six which secured the overall award at the 2013 Concours of Elegance at St. James’s Palace.  

Bentley at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

• New Continental GT3-R makes its global debut
• Race winning GT3 completes Hillclimb
• Historic Le Mans racers Old No. 1, Old No. 2 and Old No. 3 reunite
• Derek Bell pilots dynamic new GT V8 S
• Full Bentley range on display

Bentley prepares for the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed with an exclusive line up of cars. Spanning the company’s rich 95‑year heritage, the Bentley models on display at Goodwood showcase the best in British luxury and performance.

Making its global debut on the Bentley stand is the new Continental GT3-R – the most dynamic and fastest-accelerating Bentley ever produced. Inspired by Bentley’s race-winning Continental GT3 racer, the GT3-R is powered by Bentley’s race- and road-proven 4.0 litre V8 engine, producing 580 PS and 700 Nm of torque. A weight reduction of 100 kg combines with torque vectoring and shorter gearing to deliver a breathtaking driving experience.

The GT3-R is limited to just 300 examples, all hand built in Crewe and finished by Bentley’s motorsport department, and will be on display on the Bentley stand throughout the Festival weekend.

The inspiration behind the GT3-R – the Continental GT3 race car – will also be making an appearance at Goodwood. Fresh from its recent victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the GT3 will be piloted up the hill by modern-day Bentley Boy David Brabham, who drove a Bentley Speed 8 to second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, completing the famous Bentley 1-2. The Continental GT3 takes to the hill throughout the weekend, while Team M-Sport Bentley enters its two GT3 cars in the next round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Paul Ricard in southern France.

Tracing the roots of the brand’s racing heritage, three historic Bentleys will reunite for the first time in over a decade to complete Goodwood’s famous Hillclimb. The Speed Six Bentley, affectionately known as ‘Old Number 1’, won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 with Woolf Barnato partnering Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin (1929) and Glen Kidston (1930) as well as winning at Brooklands.

This unique and celebrated racing car will be accompanied by two more classic Bentleys. ‘Old Number 2’ and ‘Old Number 3’ are both in their original form and raced alongside Old Number 1 at Le Mans in 1930.

An exquisite line-up of Bentley’s luxury performance road cars will be displayed on the company’s stand, with one of the latest additions to the range – the Continental GT V8 S – being driven up the hill by five-time Le Mans winner and Bentley Boy, Derek Bell. For the first time, Bentley will also be displaying a range of pre-owned models, on a separate stand in the Exhibitors’ Area.