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History of Bentley and Rolls-Royce

Tactical Fleet

Britain’s two most famous luxury automobile manufacturers, Rolls-Royce and Bentley, have a history that is remarkably intertwined. Their history is also a story of resilience through highs and lows that has always been bolstered by a commitment to making the best cars in the world — something they’ve been doing for over 100 years.

The Birth of Two Luxury Brands

Rolls Royce got its start in 1904 when aristocrat and auto enthusiast Charles Rolls teamed up with engineering whiz kid Henry Royce to “take the best that exists and make it better.” And that’s exactly what they did. In 1906 Rolls-Royce released a 40/50 horsepower chassis dubbed the Silver Ghost. And when the authoritative Autocar magazine called it “the best car in the world” the following year, Rolls-Royce cemented its place in the auto industry.

Bentley was established in 1919 shortly after the end of World War I by veteran and engineering prodigy W. O. Bentley. Bentley spent the war years building aircraft engines that were light and powerful. For his innovations, he was honored with an award from the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors, and he used the money to establish his own company, Bentley Motors Limited.

Bentley quickly earned a reputation for being a pacemaker at the race tracks. In the late 1920s, their cars won four consecutive times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Prix d’Endurance. But when the Great Depression hit, it became increasingly difficult to sell luxury performance cars. Rolls-Royce bought out Bentley in 1931, and together, the two brands thrived.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the Midcentury

When World War II came, Rolls-Royce adopted Bentley’s engine technology to manufacture increasingly efficient aircraft engines. After the war ended, the company performed well as a respected luxury car maker into the 1960s. Interest waned briefly in the middle of that decade but was revived when Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Shadow in 1965 and its twin, the Bentley T1. Everyone who could get their hands on them wanted to buy a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley.

Despite the popularity of the Silver Shadow, Rolls-Royce found itself in financial trouble in the early 1970s. In 1971, the company went bankrupt and was nationalized by the British government. Over the next few decades, popularity waned. Though Rolls-Royce and Bentley still manufactured vehicles, they became nearly indistinguishable aside from their branding.

Resurgence in the New Millennium

After switching hands a few more times, in the early 21st century, BMW bought Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen purchased Bentley. Both companies brought the respective brands into a new era of remarkable luxury autocrafting and popularity among car connoisseurs. Models like the Rolls-Royce’s Phantom VII, Ghost, and their SUV, the Cullinan, and Bentley’s Continental GT and the smash-hit Bentayga helped to increase demand and raise profits each year.

These days, Rolls-Royce and Bentley are back on top as brands that are synonymous with unparalleled luxury and elite stature. For the customer who seeks unbounded elegance and bespoke craftsmanship, buy Rolls-Royce. For those who itch for exhilarating performance while cocooned in a lavish cabin, buy Bentley. And for those looking to explore all their luxury auto options, let Tactical Fleet be your concierge to the world of exotic cars.

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