Bentley are widely recognised for their commitment to high-performance vehicles, with their founder forming a huge part of the advancement in early motor racing. They have been one of the UK’s premier brands for over 100 years and remain one of the most sought-after classic car brands across their huge array of vehicles
Today, Bentley are still among the world leaders in vehicle manufacture, known for their high-end luxury brand and excellence in engineering.
We have been fortunate enough to restore a large number of classic Bentley’s, taking them from needing serious attention through to a fully restored vehicle. We provide Bentley servicing, engine rebuilds or oil change, chassis work, brakes, chroming, paintwork and interior trimming.
Our restoration covers work on Bentley models in the earlier series through to more contemporary classics.
W.O Bentley was a famous engineer born in 1888 who had a love for machines and materials. After a visit to France as a young man he discovered Aluminium and created a new alloy that revolutionised the racing world by setting the fastest flying mile speed of 89.6mph.
When the First World War broke out, Bentley put his ambition to start a car company on hold and joined the Royal Naval Air Service as a captain. He used his aluminium alloy pistons to create an engine for fighter aircraft that was significantly more powerful and reliable than previous versions, which had been prone to overheating and seizing up in combat. The first Bentley Rotary engine, the BR.1, made the Sopwith Camel the most successful British fighter aircraft of the war.
Recognising his vital contribution to the war effort, W.O. Bentley was awarded an MBE in the 1919 New Year’s Honours list. He also received £8,000 from the Commission of Awards to Inventors, which gave him the capital he needed to start his own car company. “The policy was simple,” W.O. said. “We were going to make a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.”
Bentley Motors Limited was founded by W. O. Bentley later that year in Cricklewood, North London and the marque quickly became known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930 thanks to a group of former fighter pilots who favoured the marque, known as the Bentley Boys.
Woolf Barnato, one of the Bentley Boys saved the company from financial difficulty in 1925, after their first Le Mans win, investing £100,000 and becoming the main shareholder in the company. However 6 years later in 1931 Bentley was severely hit by the Great Depression and Barnato notified the lenders he was no longer able to meet the debts he had guaranteed for.
In November that year the company was aquired by Rolls-Royce. The the future development of both car producers became intertwined with Bentley being dependant on the Rolls-Royce’s owner. This, however, has been shown to have no effect on the brand. Just like Rolls-Royce remains associated with pure luxury, Bentley remains associated with top sports cars and high performance for increased driving experience.
Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and consolidated under VW’s premium brand arm Audi since 2022.
Our Restoration Ethos
Our passion is for authenticity. Whatever type of work is involved; we enjoy doing the job properly to do justice to the marque.
We have the right part for the right car using our extensive on site post war stock of both refurbished and new parts. If its unobtainable we will organise to remanufacture it. Whatever type of work is involved; we enjoy doing the job properly using only the best quality parts and oil.
The business was established over ten years ago, providing a friendly and best value service to Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners. We are delighted to see all British Classics.
With our combination of practical, award-winning restoration know-how and good commercial experience, we are able to care for your Pride and Joy, leaving you with more quality time to enjoy your classic car.
We would be delighted to discuss your servicing, repair or restoration plans by phone or in person. We can advise on what is possible for your planned budget and prioritise accordingly.
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“I purchased my 1954 R Type Bentey thinking it was a good one but I was wrong. Without you and your capable staff the car would not now be such an enjoyable car to drive and own. The engine rebuild is making the car perform and sound as it did when new and the power steering was a great addition for driving such a large car (at my age). Many thanks for the work done by all at Pride & Joy.”
“Knowledgeable, professional and friendly service. Not the cheapest in town but they do the properly. I have owned my MGA for almost three years now and since pride and joy serviced it and set up the 123 electronic ignition (which nobody else seem to be able to do properly) it has run and started better than ever. They made every effort to get my old fuel gauge working properly and sorted out a tricky bad earth on an indicator lamp and even delivered the car back home to me.”