Bentleys

Bentley Motors, Rolls-Royce's onetime stablemate, made its bones with classic grand tourers that combined the land-yacht feel of its Rolls cousin with a more sporting style, an image dating to the nameplate's racing heyday of the 1920s. Now divorced from its traditionally chauffeur-driven relative and part of the Volkswagon empire, Bentley has become the world’s top-selling ultra-luxury automaker by targeting both old money buyers and nouveau riche professional athletes, entertainers, and assorted high flyers.

Under the hood, the British marquee has ramped up power to unprecedented levels and added cutting-edge tech across its model lineup to supercar heights, without sacrificing the long-distance comfort of a traditional land yacht. On the interior, Bentleys' opulent cabins are lined with the finest quality hand-stitched premium burnt oak leather, handcrafted burled-walnut woodwork, and lavish, finely-woven Wilton carpets.

Bentley is synonymous with subtl style, comfort, and powerful performance, but to those in the know the signature mesh diamond-quilted-style grille gives away its rarefied pedigree. Buying a Bentley of any age or style means joining a distinguished club of aficionados who appreciate the best of the best.

Quick Facts

• In 1984, a 1930 Bentley Silent Speed Six two-door coupe that made history by beating an express train from Monte Carlo to London sold at Sotheby’s for $295,200
• In September 2015, a 1929 Bentley 4.5-liter Sports Saloon, one of 657 made and owned by the same family since 1935, sold for £695,900, more than quadruple the low estimate
A rare supercharged 4.5-liter 1931 Blower Bentley sold at Bonhams in 2013 for $4,647,500