Bentley Motors is celebrating the 80th year of manufacturing automobiles in its Crewe factory situated in the United Kingdom. For the occasion, the manufacturer has invited 107 cars made by Bentley through all the periods of the company’s activity and revealed a unique Continental GTC produced on commission from Mulliner. Moreover, the occasion also coincided with 90 years of the Bentley Drivers Club and was marked by further investments in updating the factory facilities.
What was displayed at Bentley’s 80-year anniversary event?
For the anniversary event, 107 Bentley cars were invited, belonging to members of the Bentley Drivers Club. The exhibit was laid out chronologically starting from EXP3, the first car ever sold to customers, and ending with the 2025 Flying Spur Speed.
The cars featured ranged from classic W.O. Bentley cars, Derby Era models, and the celebrated Blower model to contemporary models like the Bentayga. Owners from various countries came to showcase their automobiles at the Pyms Lane facility in Crewe, where Bentley has been producing its cars since 1946.
In addition, the event marked the 90th Anniversary of the Bentley Drivers Club, adding another layer of significance.
Why is the commemorative Continental GTC unique?
As part of the celebration of this landmark event, Bentley’s Mulliner made a special Continental GTC with unique design features dedicated solely to the anniversary.
The car features a special Supernova Purple Ombre paint job that transitions from Supernova Purple to a deeper purple shade. The car also features the “80” side graphic with a reverse ombre effect.
In addition to the exterior, there are also special features inside the car, like the embroidered “80” logos on the headrests and a special fascia graphic featuring Bentley’s Design Studio building together with the mention of 80 years of car manufacturing in Crewe.
What changes have been seen over time with the Crewe manufacturing facility?
The current Crewe site was developed in 1938 to produce Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engines, and it became the primary production centre for Bentleys in 1946.
Currently, the campus integrates vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial operations under one roof. In the past few years, the manufacturer has renovated the facility and built new facilities such as the Design Studio, Engineering Technical Centre, Excellence Centre for Quality and Launch, Integrated Logistics Centre, and a new Paint Shop.
According to the company, these changes are aimed at developing the manufacturing facility in a way that integrates technology while maintaining traditional processes for handcrafting vehicles.
What are the future manufacturing plans for Bentley?
Bentley confirms that it continues to renovate its historic Crewe campus to meet future vehicle programmes.
The oldest structure on the property is being retooled to become an assembly plant for the first all-electric vehicle that Bentley plans to launch in September. The launch of Torcal, another car by Bentley, is also imminent as part of the global roll-out as part of the company’s wider product strategy.
According to Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley, the company is planning to invest in manufacturing capabilities, technologies, and production facilities, while simultaneously developing craftsmanship skills related to the Crewe plant.
Pricing details for the one-off model of the Continental GTC made to celebrate the milestone have not been revealed, as this special car has been designed only for the celebration and will not be offered for sale. Production figures and performance details of the anniversary model have also not been disclosed by the company, as these changes are only cosmetic in nature.
