Le Mans is 90 this year. The legendary 24 hour endurance race kicked off in 1923, and Bentley was part of that inaugural event. To celebrate that first Le Mans, Bentley has announced six new Le Mans Limited Edition specifications available on the flagship Mulsanne and the Continental family. Available exclusively in North America, each model is inspired by a driver from Bentley’s six victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours race.
48 examples of each ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ model are being produced. Each car will have a unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, Le Mans Edition clock face, embroidered Le Mans badge to each headrest, tread plates with the limited edition name, unique Le Mans Edition wheels and specific interior veneers and exterior colours.
Le Mans Limited Edition models represent some proud history.
After being the sole British entry and placing fourth in the inaugural 1923 race, Bentley won the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in 1924. From 1927 to 1930 Bentley dominated the event and took victory on four consecutive occasions. In 2003, nearly 83 years to the date from its previous victory, Bentley achieved yet another victory, placing first and second, with Guy Smith piloting the first of the two Speed 8’s across the finish line.
“We’re very proud of our motorsports heritage and we’re excited to celebrate our historic wins at Le Mans 24 Hours,” said Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc. “The Le Mans Limited Edition models showcase our performance and handcrafted luxury through these unique, heritage inspired specifications.”
Continental GT models will be available in the second quarter of 2013, while the Mulsanne Le Mans Edition models will available beginning in the third quarter.
Here’s a look at the various editions, based upon the driver of each winning vehicle.
John Duff
The original Bentley Boy, John Duff gave Bentley its first win at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1924. After a fourth place finish in 1923, Duff returned to Le Mans the following year with Bentley co-driver Jack Clement. The pair raced to a first place finish, defeating many of the leading sports cars of the day.
Exterior: Moonbeam
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Beluga
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Piano Black and Bright Aluminium
Dudley Benjafield
Competing for the sheer pleasure of driving and the thrill of the race, “Benjy”, drove at numerous events and took 1st place at Le Mans in 1927.
Exterior: Verdant – the same colour of the victorious Bentley Speed 8 in 2003
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Cumbrian Green
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Bright Aluminium
Woolf Barnato
Considered “the best driver we ever had” by W.O. Bentley, Barnato remains the only driver to have won on each occasion of entering the race recording wins at Le Mans in 1928, 1929 and 1930.
Exterior: Granite
Interior: Hotspur
Stitching: Beluga
Veneer: Carbon Fiber in Continental series, Dark Stain Burr Walnut with Dark Aluminium in Mulsanne
Tim Birkin
A formidable personality, Birkin, an ex-fighter pilot was renowned for his willingness to be utterly ruthless with his car to achieve a winning result.
Exterior: Glacier White
Interior: Beluga
Stitching: White
Veneer: Piano Black and Bright Aluminium
Glen Kidston
Kidston claimed 1st place at Le Mans in 1930 and is known for being an adventurer; rough, tough, sharp and fearless.
Exterior: Dark Sapphire
Interior: Two-tone Newmarket Tan and Imperial Blue
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Aluminium, Continental GT Convertible models are finished with a Blue hued exterior roof.
Guy Smith
A central figure for Team Bentley’s attack on both the Sebring 12-Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours, Guy Smith secured his place in racing legend at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours. Smith was selected to pilot the Bentley Speed 8 across the finish line to mark an emotional sixth win for Bentley.
Exterior: Beluga
Interior: Beluga
Stitching: Hotspur
Veneer: Piano Black and Dark Aluminium