29/12/2024
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Here are ten unknown facts about :
1. Innovative Engine Design: Bentley's first production car, the 3 Litre, featured an advanced engine for its time, incorporating four valves per cylinder and dry-sump lubrication.
2. Aluminium Pistons in Aviation: During World War I, Bentley's use of aluminium alloy pistons in aircraft engines significantly improved performance and cooling efficiency.
3. The Bentley Boys: In the 1920s, a group of affluent British car enthusiasts and racing drivers, known as the Bentley Boys, played a pivotal role in promoting the brand and achieving success at events like the Le Mans 24 Hours.
4. First Mass-Produced SUV: The Bentley Bentayga, introduced in 2015, marked Bentley's entry into the luxury SUV market, combining high performance with opulent features.
5. Flying 'B' Emblem: The iconic flying 'B' hood ornament was first used on the 6½ Litre Bentleys in the late 1920s. Modern versions are designed to retract into the bonnet upon impact to enhance pedestrian safety.
6. Bentley Blower's Racing Legacy: The Bentley Blower, modified by racer Sir Henry Birkin to add a supercharger, is celebrated for its competitive spirit and association with the legendary "Bentley Boys," despite not finishing the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
7. Art Car Initiatives: Bentley has embraced the emerging genre of art cars, collaborating with artists to create unique, hand-painted vehicles that blend automotive design with artistic expression.
8. Sultan of Brunei's Extensive Collection: The 29th Sultan of Brunei amassed a vast collection of over 650 Bentleys by the end of the 1990s, commissioning bespoke models and customizations through Bentley's Mulliner division.
9. Bentley Heritage Collection: Bentley's Heritage Collection showcases significant models from the brand's century-long history, including the 1919 Bentley EXP2, the oldest surviving Bentley and its first race winner.
10. Electric Vehicle Plans: Bentley announced plans to launch its first electric vehicle, a luxury SUV, in 2026, and to extend the sales of plug-in hybrids until 2035, deviating from its earlier objective of becoming fully electric by 2030.
