A cavalcade of historic and modern Bentleys has set off from John O’Groats on an epic 1,260 mile epic journey across Britain to celebrate the luxury car firm’s 100th anniversary.
More than 70 cars – from the glory days of the racing ‘Bentley Boys’ in the 20s and ‘30s to the latest Bentayga 4X4 - are taking part for at least part of the fortnight-long ‘Centenary Extraordinary Drive’ from Scotland to Surrey organised by the Banbury-based Bentley Drivers’ Club.
And a hard-core of around 20 will do the entire trip - dubbed ‘the grandest of grand tours’ – driving via Bentley’s factory in Crewe and into central London to the finale at Brooklands circuit in Surrey on Sunday March 31.
A cavalcade of historic and modern Bentleys has set off from John O’Groats on an epic 1,260 mile epic journey across Britain to celebrate the luxury car firm’s 100th anniversary, and our man Ray Massey joins them as they depart
The value of the the 20 core historic and modern Bentley cars taking part for the whole trip is estimated around £8million - with one worth £2m on its own.
But when the value of all 70 cars which are expected to take part is totted up – including those dipping in for for at least one leg of the trip - that rises to around £20million.
Among the oldest cars committed for the full trip are a 1927 4.5-litre Van den Plas, a 1928 4.5-litre Le Mans Tourer, and a 1930 Speed 6.
Among those expected to participate in various legs of run are Autumn Phillips, daughter in law of the Princess Royal.
And I was in at the beginning driving a mighty 170mph 2003 Continental R which, when launched, the fastest and most powerful Bentley of its day and the most expensive production car in the world at launch.
Following a grand celebratory dinner on Friday night at the 16th century Castle of Mey – home to the late Queen Mother (on Saturday 16 March) - the procession of Bentleys set off from John O’Groats, close to the northernmost point of Britain, along the Caithness coastline before heading south to the 22,000 acre Novar Estate near Dingwall, stopping off en route at Dunbeath Castle and Glenmorangie House.
More than 70 cars – from the glory days of the racing ‘Bentley Boys’ in the 20s and ‘30s to the latest Bentayga 4X4 - are taking part for at least part of the fortnight-long ‘Centenary Extraordinary Drive’ from Scotland to Surrey organised by the Banbury-based Bentley Drivers’ Club
After a day’s break at the Novar Estate, the tour resumes (on Monday 18 March) with the cavalcade travelling through the mountains of the North West Highlands, along the stunning North West 500 route past the historic Eilean Donan castle, down to the Kyle of Lochalsh and over the new road bridge to the Isle of Skye and the luxury Kinloch Lodge hotel owned by Lord and Lady Macdonald, the latter better known as celebrity chef Claire Macdonald.
Stop-offs will be made at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel at Achnasheen and Attadale House in Wester Ross.
On Tuesday (19 March) the tour continues by ferry back to the mainland, through the Highlands and heads to the Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Golf resort, punctuated with stops at the Invergarry Hotel at Invergarry and Inverlochy Castle Hotel near Fort William.
And I was in at the beginning driving a mighty 170mph 2003 Continental R which, when launched, the fastest and most powerful Bentley of its day and the most expensive production car in the world at launch
Businessman Roland Frey and his wife Helen are taking their 1928 four and a half litre Bentley and are suitably attired in warm vintage leather coats and head-gear. Among the oldest cars committed for the full trip are a 1927 4.5-litre Van den Plas, a 1928 4.5-litre Le Mans Tourer, and a 1930 Speed 6.
Businessman Roland Frey and his wife Helen cut a real dash in their mammoth 1928 4 ½ (four and a half) litre Bentley.
Suitably attired in warm vintage leather coats and head-gear to battle the changeable weather, the couple have already covered more than 40,000 miles in their historic open topped tourer since they bought it five years ago – including 11,000 miles touring the USA - and have more adventures in store.
Swiss-born Mr Frey, who lives in the UK with his British wife said: ‘It’s a great hobby.
‘These things are like big trucks and extremely reliable. I don’t see other cars matching it. They really were built to last. When WO Bentley built these cars, a lot had to go abroad, including to Africa. So they had to be tough. He was a brilliant engineer, if not the best businessman.’
Of the 1,260 mile trip from Scotland to London he said: ‘This is a great event and a wonderful drive. We’re prepared for the weather. It’s been very windy and raining. But it changes by the minute. Hopefully we’ll get some sunshine too.’
The Freys, whose names and national flags are displayed proudly either side of their bonnet, have more trips in store: ’Next year we’re taking it to Kenya and Tanzana.’ And in 2021 they plan to make an epic 17,000-mile trip from London to Sydney in their trusty Bentley.
The Rev Ian Murray is giving his blessing to the Bentley drive - as well as dipping in for the first leg of it. The bearded cleric is taking part in a 1922 Bentley which was rebuilt in 1933. The procession set off from John O’Groats, close to the northernmost point of Britain, along the Caithness coastline before heading south to the 22,000 acre Novar Estate near Dingwall, stopping off en route at Dunbeath Castle and Glenmorangie House
By Thursday (21 March) the touring party will head inland towards Edinburgh, stopping off at the Robert-Adams designed stately home Archerfield House at Direleton, East Lothian on the East coast of Scotland.
There are stops en route at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa in Inveraray and Cameron House at Alexandria. This leg of the trip will take four-and-a-half hours.
A spokesman for the Bentley Drivers’ Club said: ‘The Scottish section of the tour will be rounded off in fine style with a black-tie dinner in the state dining room on board the Royal Yacht Britannia - with access to the Queen’s private quarters - in Leith on Friday 22 March.’
It’s good to have friends in high places and the Rev Ian Murray is giving his blessing to the Bentley drive – as well as dipping in for the first leg of it.
‘I’ll be blessing the cars as they go,’ he said.
The bearded cleric is taking part in a 1922 Bentley which was rebuilt in 1933.
It belonged for generations to the Fry family of chocolate fame but family-friend Mr Murray had the chance to drive it. Two weeks ago his dream came true when he was able to buy it outright for himself.
The car has some extra elements, having within it parts – including a hand-pump and clock - cannibalised from a historic but wrecked racing car known as ‘Old Number 7’.
Elgin-based Mr Murray, a minister with the Church of Scotland who covers lots of churches in the East of Scotland up to the Shetlands said: ‘It is a remarkable piece of engineering. It will still do 100mph – but only on a German autobahn where it is legal’.
‘It’s been in the same family since 1933 – the Fry family of chocolate fame - and I’ve had the privilege to be able to drive it for many years. It has some parts from other cars. So it really is a bit of a mongrel. Two weeks ago I bought it. It is an incredible history. It even worked as a fire engine during the last war.’
After a day’s break at the Novar Estate, the tour resumes (on Monday 18 March) with the cavalcade travelling through the mountains of the North West Highlands, along the stunning North West 500 route, down to the Kyle of Lochalsh and over the new road bridge to the Isle of Skye
The tour then heads (on Saturday March 23) across the Scottish borders into the North of England for a five-hour trip to York, calling en route at Floors Castle & Gardens at Kelso in the Scottish Borders, the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel at Blanchland in Northumberland and the Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk in North Yorkshire.
The Bentley Drivers’ Club spokesman said: ‘This leg of the tour will conclude at the Principal Hotel in York, with an atmospheric evening dinner set among historic and royal carriages at the city’s National Railway Museum on Sunday 24 March.’
The cavalcade leaves York (on Monday March 25) and heads cross country to the north-west of England for a five-hour trip to the Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa at Nantwich, calling en route at Bentley in the suburbs of Doncaster, Winnats Pass in the Peak District and Fischer’s Baslow at Bakewell in Derbyshire.
On Tuesday (19 March) the tour continues by ferry back to the mainland, through the Highlands and heads to the Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Golf resort, punctuated with stops at the Invergarry Hotel at Invergarry and Inverlochy Castle Hotel near Fort William
By Thursday (21 March) the touring party will head inland towards Edinburgh, stopping off at the Robert-Adams designed stately home Archerfield House at Direleton, East Lothian on the East coast of Scotland
The tour then heads (on Saturday March 23) across the Scottish borders into the North of England for a five-hour trip to York, calling en route at Floors Castle & Gardens at Kelso in the Scottish Borders, the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel at Blanchland in Northumberland and the Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk in North Yorkshire
A special centenary visit to Bentley Motors headquarters at Crewe is also planned where the Bentley drivers can pay tribute to the spiritual home of their luxury cars.
From Nantwich in Cheshire the tour continues (on Wednesday 27 March) for a journey though the Midlands to Cotswolds with a stop-over at the Lygon Arms Hotel in the Worcestershire village of Broadway, calling en route at the RAF Museum at Cosford in Shropshire and the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hillclimb course at Worcester.
During the party’s stay in the picturesque Cotswolds, Lady Ashcombe will host a celebratory dinner at Sudeley Castle on Thursday 28 March.
The cavalcade leaves York (on Monday March 25) and heads cross country to the north-west of England for a five-hour trip to the Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa at Nantwich, calling en route at Bentley in the suburbs of Doncaster, Winnats Pass in the Peak District and Fischer’s Baslow at Bakewell in Derbyshire
From Nantwich in Cheshire the tour continues (on Wednesday 27 March) for a journey though the Midlands to Cotswolds with a stop-over at the Lygon Arms Hotel in the Worcestershire village of Broadway, calling en route at the RAF Museum at Cosford in Shropshire
The cavalcade of cars makes a final flourish at the Brooklands circuit in Surrey, with drivers wearing costumes appropriate to the era of their individual cars
Heading south towards the Home Counties and London area (on Friday 29 March) the tour will stay at the capital’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, calling en route at the Bentley Drivers Club just outside Banbury and Stonor Park near High Wycombe.
The Bentley Drivers’ Club spokesman said: ’The tour will conclude in fitting fashion with a grand finale black-tie dinner in the White Tower at the historic Tower of London on Saturday 30 March. Guests will be greeted by Yeoman Warders and be invited to inspect the crown jewels.’
The following day the cavalcade of cars makes a final flourish at the Brooklands circuit in Surrey, with drivers wearing costumes appropriate to the era of their individual cars.
Bentley Drivers’ Club was founded in 1936 as ‘a club of friends who share a love of all things Bentley’.
The 1,260-mile trip starts today from John O'Groats in Scotland and will finish at the historic Brooklands racetrack in London. The trip is organised by the Bentley Drivers’ Club, founded in 1936 as ‘a club of friends who share a love of all things Bentley’
A spokesman said:’This year, 2019, is one of the most significant in the club’s history – it’s the year all enthusiasts of this legendary British marque come together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bentley Motors’.
The ‘Centenary Extraordinary Drive’ fires the starting gun for a series of anniversary events planned during the year which marks the centenary on July 10.
This includes the Salon Prive event at Blenheim Palace in September where 1,001 Bentleys are expected to attend.
Much has changed in 100 years. Most recently the firm launched a £200,000 207mph open-topped Bentley Continental GT Convertible.
Bentley Motors chairman and chief executive Adrian Hallmark has set out the firm’s path towards ‘full electrification’ of the Bentley range as the firm seeks to shed its ‘gas-guzzler’ reputation.
Hallmark’s stated aim is to have 100 per cent hybrid or electric power available on all models across the Bentley range by 2025: ’With our extraordinary motoring heritage of 100 years to build on, we are now firmly focussed on a future characterised by our passion for innovation.’
On the vexed subject of Brexit Mr Hallmark said the firm remains 'fully committed' to the UK and is putting in place long- and short-term contingency plans to cope.
He said a 'hard Brexit' would be 'a blow' but 'not life-threatening' to the company owned by Germany's giant Volkswagen group.
Only 20 per cent of Bentley's global sales are to Continental Europe so it has a more balanced spread of sales. Some 21 per cent is to the USA, 19 per cent to China, 14 per cent remains in the UK and the remaining 16 per cent is exported to the result of the world.
A century after engineering genius Walter Owen ‘W.O’ Bentley founded the firm which bears his name, Mr Hallmark said: 'We have been here for 100 years and we will be here for the next 100 years.'
My 2003 Bentley Continental R
For the first leg of the Bentley ‘Centenary Extraordinary Drive’ from John O’Groats I was behind the wheel of a powerfully luxurious ‘Final Edition’ Bentley Continental R from 2003.
At launch the fastest and most powerful Bentley of its day and the most expensive production car in the world.
With a top speed of 170mph its powerful uprated 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine produces 420 bhp – equivalent to four Ford Fiestas – which propels it from rest to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
For the first leg of the Bentley ‘Centenary Extraordinary Drive’ from John O’Groats I was behind the wheel of a powerfully luxurious ‘Final Edition’ Bentley Continental R from 2003. It has a top speed of 170mph and its 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine produces 420 bhp
It has a four-speed automatic gearbox, self-levelling hydraulic suspension and ventilated disc brakes with twin Bentley brake calipers at the front, wider wheel arches and 18” 9.5J wheels and tyres. The car also includes a boost gauge, chromed bezels, black-lacquered furnishings and Bentley badges in the waistrails.
The Continental R was the first all-new-bodied Bentley coupe since the stunning R-Type Continental of 1952, rightly considered among the most beautiful cars ever created.
A total of 1548 were built, including 158 bespoke Mulliner editions, 44 Le Mans Series and 11 ‘Final Series’ of the type I was driving.
A Bentley spokesman noted: ‘The Continental R re-established Bentley as a premium sporting marque in its own right, and is a considered a classic. It was the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley of its day. It was also the most expensive production car in the world at launch.’
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2019/03/16/70-luxury-bentleys-spanning-100-years-begin-1260-mile-john-ogroats-to-surrey-trip/
Main photo article A cavalcade of historic and modern Bentleys has set off from John O’Groats on an epic 1,260 mile epic journey across Britain to celebrate the luxury car firm’s 100th anniversary.
More than 70 cars – from the glory days of the racing ‘Bentley Boys’ in the 20s and ‘30s to the latest Bentayga 4X4 ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
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