If we sit and think about any classic car manufacturers that we’re able to maintain their reputation and prestige even after being in business for over a century, then Bentley is definitely one of them. Today, even after so many competitive brands, Bentley still rules the game with those sleek and sophisticated cars that are packed with power.
Bentley Logo Meaning & History Timeline
Unlike other brand logos, the Bentley logo didn’t go through a lot of changes over the years; they simply improved it a bit to keep in tune with the modern designs. The Bentley emblem is quite simple; it shows two wings with a “B” in the middle. The letter “B” in the middle of the logo simply stands for Bentley and the two wings on either side of the letter are a symbol of speed. Originally, the Bentley emblem has the letter “B” located on the bonnet of cars upright, and then it was depicted in a crown from bay leaves on a black background and after 1931, it’s on a green field.
In its history, Bentley has changed hands three times. First, the Rolls-Royce Group saved it from its bankruptcy, and then all Bentley cars were separated in three directions, each of which got its symbol meaning: “Black Label” – it’s a key indicator for sports cars, “Red Label” – its principal exponent is luxury cars and “Green Label” is something in between. However, in 1998, Volkswagen AG appeared to change the Rolls-Royce Group.
The interesting fact about Bentley’s symbol is that the number of feathers in the right and left-wing in most logos varies. Various models have 10/11 or 13/14 versions of feathers. However, there are also models decorated with 10/10 logos that usually are the “simplest” models, while asymmetry is more common for racing cars and is supposed to bring good luck. For instance, vintage cars typically possess 13 hackles on the left and 14 are on the right. The Derby cars have 10 and 11. Crewe cars have 10 on each side. Nowadays, you can see 11 and 10 more often. Bentley’s symbol was created by a professional artist called Frederick Gordon Crosby. The emblem was used as an example for Aston Martin.
The Bentley logo consists of three main colors; black, white, and silver hues. The silver color depicts sophistication and creativity and the perfection of Bentley’s products. On the other hand, the white color defines purity and charm, the black color represents the excellence and elegance of the company. The color spectrum of Bentley’s symbol combines inimitable British aristocracy and modern design. However, the logo for racing and regular Bentley cars has a different color. For example, the oval between the wings and the letter for the racing cars is green, while for the exclusive class cars it is painted red. The most powerful cars for private customers are sold with the logo where the oval is painted black. Today, Bentley is the only brand with a logo enabling to define the class of a particular model.
Know about Bentley’s history and its origin
Bentley origin-1959: Bentley started out as a car manufacturer in England in 1919. During the 20s, the brand introduced some of the most distinguishing vehicles of the vintage era. However, despite impressive racing records, Bentley faced financial difficulties in the 30s and therefore Rolls-Royce acquired the company in 1931 to save it from crises.
1959-1979: Bentley touched the taste of success during the 60s. But again the 70s was the darkest period in Bentley’s history, as the founder died in 1971. Somehow the brand managed to keep its production going without the hurdles.
1979-2000: By the early 1980s Bentley sales had fallen badly. Then after acquired by Vickers plc in 1980, Bentley restored its high-performance heritage and sporting image. During the 80s, Bentley finally developed its identity. In 1998, Volkswagen purchased Bentley as well as Rolls-Royce and became the owner of the brand.
2000-Present: Volkswagen announced to invest $1 billion to revive Bentley and in 2001, the brand returned to Le Mans, but then dropped out again in 2003. Since its introduction at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, the Bentley Continental lineup has expanded from one very fast sedan to seven even faster sedans and convertibles, including one flex-fuel vehicle.
From the very first prototype created in a London mews to the phenomenally powerful and exquisitely crafted cars driven across the world today, Bentley has transformed the face of motoring. Currently, the Bentley team is working on creating cars that will define future technology perfectly, and here are the Bentley latest car models.
• Bentley Continental GT
Price: $218,400 onwards
• Bentley Bentayga
Price: $197,725 onwards
• Bentley Continental GT Speed
Price: $267,025 onwards
• Bentley Continental Supersports
Price: $325,325 onwards
• Bentley Flying Spur
Price: $191,725 onwards
• Bentley Mulsanne
Price: $307,395 onwards
• Bentley Mulsanne Speed
Price: $338,325 onwards
Bentley has been around for many years now, and yet they are able to be on top of their game and keep up with the demands of modern times. Up to this day, when one thinks of Bentley they immediately associate it with those sleek and sophisticated cars that are packed with power.