The results of the depression of 1929 were the last straw as far as the company's finances were concerned, and in 1931 they were bought by Rolls-Royce for £125,265, pipping Napier to the post.
In 1933, when the first Rolls-Royce built Bentley appeared, it was based on the Derby company's 3.7 litre 20/25 model, 1936 saw this capacity increased to 4.5 litres. Independent front suspension put in a brief appearance in 1940 on the Mark V car.
The first post-war model, the Mark VI, was the same capacity (4,257cc) as its pre-war counterpart, though the engine featured an overhead inlet/side exhaust layout. It was offered with a standard steel body by Pressed Steel; the first Rolls-Royce product to be so equipped. Although 1952 saw the announcement of the 4,566cc Mulliner bodied Continental, the marque's identity became more closely allied to Rolls-Royce and 1960 saw the disappearance of the faithful six; this being replaced by a 6.2 litre V-8.
The 1979 models used a 6,750cc V-8 engine, with the Corniche available in saloon and convertible forms. The T series cars share the same monocoque body as the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.
Bentley is now owned by VW Audi Group in Germany who have been responsible for Bentley's renaissance with production of the new Continental GT in both coupe and convertible form and the four door Flying Spur.
Friday 14th March 2008 - BENTLEY REPORTS RECORD PROFIT
Sales are at an all time high too
Bentley has announced record profits for 2007 under the guidance of Volkswagen Group.
Net revenue was raised by €36 million or 2.7% when compared with 2006 giving a record breaking total of €1.37 billion. Operating profit increased too with a growth of 13.1%, or €18 million, giving a new record profit of €155 million.
It wasn't only profits that were breaking records, sales were too. In 2007 Bentley sold 10,014 units, breaking the 10,000 mark for the first time in its history and showing a global sales increase of 7%. The UK market alone recorded sales increases of 7% with Europe growing by the same amount. North America saw a 4% growth and and incredible 93% growth was recorded in China.
Commenting on these financial results, Bentley Chairman and CEO, Dr Franz-Jozef Paefgen, said: “2007 was a milestone in the history of Bentley as we passed the 10,000 units for the first time. Five years ago we were selling only 1000 units but the development of a strong product line has seen the Company attract new customers in greater numbers. 2007 saw strong growth both in mature markets, such as Germany, the UK and the US, as well as in emerging markets, such as China and Russia.”
Author: Garlick Published on Pistonheads
