By the end of the 1980s, Rolls-Royce’s rebranding of Bentley which begun in 1982 with the launch of the Mulsanne Turbo had proved an outstanding success. However, the sales graph that had climbed steadily upwards until reaching a peak in 1989 only to plunge dramatically because of economic recession. Rolls-Royce responded by dropping the normally a..
The Bentley T-Series was the Bentley badged version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, available as a four or two-door saloon with coachwork by James Young or Mulliner Park Ward. The Bentley differed from its Rolls-Royce equivalent by its more rounded front grille and different bonnet while the badging on the wheel covers, boot lid and gauges natura..
The Bentley S2 Saloon and Continental models all received a shot in the arm in 1959 when introduced at London Motor Show, the Rolls-Royce/Bentley straight-six engine was replaced by an all-new aluminium V8 unit. The more muscular engine, producing approximately 200bhp, was designed primarily to deliver more torque, but it also allowed the company t..
Based on the Mulsanne chassis, the Bentley Turbo R was built to be a serious high-performance machine, and like its predecessor, this Bentley had a turbocharged engine, however, the R was more highly tuned and a touch sportier. With Bosch fuel-injection increasing torque levels, uprated suspension, anti-roll bars, and superior dampers, the Bentley ..
Rationalising its manufacturing, General Motors moved production of Chevrolet commercial vehicles to its Vauxhall car plant at Luton, from whence a redesigned range of 'Bedford' branded commercials emerged in 1931. In 1939, Bedford introduced the 'K' series which, in common with passenger cars of the time, was more curvaceously styled and featured ..
A key factor in Rolls-Royce's marketing strategy for the 1980s was the re-launch of Bentley. To rekindle interest in the marque, a glorious name from its past was resurrected - 'Continental' - and applied to the two-door model previously known, like its Rolls-Royce equivalent, as the Corniche. An inspired move, the Bentley's 1984 name change had th..
The Bentley Azure was launched in 1995 and was based on the platform of the Continental R which had been launched in 1991. The Azure intended to both convey a sense of presence and allow for comfortable seating of four adult passengers. Power came from the company's stalwart 6.75 litre, V8 featuring a single intercooled turbocharger. The gearbox wa..
The Bentley Azure was launched in 1995 and was based on the platform of the Continental R which had been launched in 1991. The Azure intended to both convey a sense of presence and allow for comfortable seating of four adult passengers. Power came from the company's stalwart 6.75 litre, V8 featuring a single intercooled turbocharger. The gearbox wa..
Sir Alec Issigonis' concept was to combine the luxury and convenience of a good motor car at a price affordable by the working classes. The Minor was a roomy vehicle with superior cornering and handling characteristics. The Minor prototype had been known as the Morris Mosquito. More than 1.3 million of the lightweight, rear-wheel drive cars were ev..
The Bentley Azure was launched in 1995 and based on the platform of the Continental R coupé which had been launched in 1991. Volkswagen purchased Bentley from Vickers in 1998, three years into production of the Mk.I model. Volkswagen executives decided to keep the then current Azure in production until 2003. Production of the new Azure began for th..