Bentley Buyer's Guide
Brand Overview
Bentley (founded 1919) represents British luxury and performance. From Le Mans victories in the 1920s to modern grand tourers under VW ownership since 1998. Hand-built in Crewe.
What Makes Bentley Special
- Le Mans Heritage: Five wins 1924-1930
- Crewe Craftsmanship: Hand-stitched leather, wood
- Grand Touring: Cross-continents in comfort
- W12 Power: Unique engine configuration
The Eras
| Era | Years | Character |
|---|---|---|
| W.O. Bentley | 1919-1931 | Racing legends |
| Derby | 1931-1946 | Rolls-Royce rebadge |
| Crewe | 1946-1998 | British luxury |
| VW | 1998-present | Modern renaissance |
Vintage Values
| Model | Built | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Blower | 55 | £5m+ |
| Speed Six | 182 | £3m+ |
| 4.5 Litre | 720 | £700k+ |
| R Type Continental | 208 | £800k+ |
Modern Values
| Model | Value From |
|---|---|
| Continental GT (2003-11) | £25k |
| Continental GT (2011-18) | £45k |
| Continental GT (2018+) | £120k |
| Flying Spur | £35k |
| Bentayga | £90k |
Common Issues ⚠️
- Continental GT (W12): Coil packs, suspension
- Crewe Era: Lucas electrics, rust
- Air Suspension: £2,000+ per corner
- Brakes: Carbon ceramics expensive
Running Costs
| Model | Annual Budget |
|---|---|
| Continental GT | £5,000-10,000 |
| Flying Spur | £5,000-10,000 |
| Bentayga | £5,000-8,000 |
| Mulsanne | £8,000-15,000 |
Buying Recommendations
- Entry Point: Continental GT 2003-11 - depreciated luxury
- Modern GT: Continental GT V8 - reliable, efficient
- Luxury: Flying Spur - four-door comfort
- Investment: R Type Continental - rising
- Ultimate: Mulliner specials