W. O. Bentley - Bentley Motors, Cricklewood, Middlesex

Bentley Motors, Cricklewood, Middlesex

After the war, in early 1919, W O founded, with his brother, their own motor car business, Bentley Motors Limited. The first Bentley 3-litre engine burst into life in what was New Street Mews, Baker Street, London, in October 1919. A plaque marks the building in now Chagford Street NW1. The first complete car began road testing in January 1920. W O had designed a robust four-cylinder engine and sturdy chassis, the Bentley 3 Litre. The first production car, made in small premises in Cricklewood, was delivered in September 1921. Its durability earned widespread acclaim.

Appearances were made in hill climbs and at Brooklands and a single entry in the 1922 Indianapolis 500 mile race driven by Douglas Hawkes finished thirteenth at an average speed in excess of 80 miles an hour. A rather sceptical Bentley had been persuaded to attend the very first, 1923, Le Mans race. To his great delight the privately entered Bentley of Duff & Clement took fourth place.

The 3 Litre won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1924 and following models repeated this each June 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. His motto was, "To build a good car, a fast car, the best in class." His racing manager was an old school friend, Richard Sidney Witchell. Bentley cars set many records at Le Mans. "Bentley Boy" Woolf Barnato was the only driver to win each of the three times he entered, giving him the highest victory percentage.

However the 1925 Le Mans race was a complete failure for W O and his team and Bentley Motors Limited was in deep financial trouble. His actions were severely criticized by his board. The temporary solution was that Woolf (Babe) Barnato, of the "Bentley Boys", heir to Kimberley diamond magnate Barney Barnato purchased all the business assets and they continued much as before with Barnato chairman but W O was now Barnato's employee.

W O designed another generation of cars, the six-cylinder 6 1⁄₂-litre Speed-Six introduced 1928, but in 1929 against his wishes, Barnato allowed to be built before development was complete the Tim Birkin developed supercharged "Blower" version of his 1927 4½ Litre car. This development had taken place in separate workshops away from W O in Welwyn Garden City. Durability proved poor and the car failed on the track. At the time, Ettore Bugatti commenting upon the Bentley line of motorcars quipped with a certain disdain, "Mr. Bentley builds the worlds' fastest trucks." Barnato continued to compete with distinction and helped steer the firm to its finest hour but everyone's efforts did not save the business. The Great Depression delivered the final financial blow. The 8 Litre was launched as a grand car for the ultra-rich in October 1930. One hundred were made and sold. Ettore Bugatti sold three of his equivalent model. The 8 Litre's very success proved disastrous for W O 's own career. Rolls-Royce (Hives) elected to kill such strong competition for their Phantom II.

By July 1931 Barnato had decided he would provide no more support for the company and made himself scarce. On the 10th, on the application of the mortgagee, the court appointed a Receiver to Bentley Motors Limited. W O's cars had accumulated losses of £136,220. With Barnato's they were working their way through their third fortune.

D. Napier and Son had manufactured cars in England until 1925 when they had shifted focus to aero engines; they were now anxious to return to the motor car market and entered friendly negotiations to purchase Bentley, and W O began work designing his next car for the expected new owner, Napier-Bentley. Rolls-Royce watched with care.

The Press Association understands that Messrs Napier and Son, aero-engine builders, have reached an agreement to take over Bentley Motors Limited which is in voluntary liquidation. It is expected that the matter will come before the Court within the next few days.

— Press Association, Napier To Absorb Bentley Motors, The Times, Saturday, Oct 24, 1931; pg. 18; Issue 45962

Cricklewood production

• 506 of the 3-litre cars were 'Speed Models' and 15 '100 mph Models'
• 54 of the 4 1⁄₂-litre cars were supercharged
• 171 of the short-chassis 6 1⁄₂-litre cars were 'Speed Sixes'