Walter Owen "W.O." Bentley (16 Sep 1888 – 13 Aug 1971) was not only a motorcycle and car racer in his youth but also an English engineer renowned for designing aircraft and automobile engines. In 1919, he founded Bentley Motors, a company that would become synonymous with luxury and performance in automotive engineering.
In 1912, W.O. and his brother Horace Millner Bentley established Bentley and Bentley, a dealership for French DFP (Doriot, Flandrin, and Parant) cars. Dissatisfied with the DFPs' performance, W.O. was inspired by a paperweight to have pistons made for the engine in aluminium alloy, drastically improving the DFP's capabilities. Fitted with the alloy pistons and a modified camshaft, a DFP modified by W.O. took several racing records in 1913 and 1914.
With the advent of World War I, Bentley's insight to use aluminium alloy pistons proved invaluable in military applications, leading to higher compression ratios and engine speeds. Commissioned by the Royal Navy, W.O. developed the groundbreaking "Bentley Rotary 1 (BR1)" aero engine at the Humber factory in Coventry. His contributions earned him an MBE and laid the foundation for his post-war venture into automobile manufacturing.
Post-war, W.O. Bentley, along with his colleagues Frank Burgess (formerly of Humber) and Harry Varley (formerly of Vauxhall Motors), founded Bentley Motors Limited in small premises in London. They focused on creating vehicles that epitomised quality and performance. This commitment was exemplified when a Bentley 3 Litre Sport triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, elevating the brand's prestige among British motorists.
Despite its growing reputation, Bentley Motors faced financial turmoil by the mid-1920s. Woolf Barnato, a Bentley enthusiast and one of the "Bentley Boys," injected vital capital into the company, becoming its majority shareholder and relegating W.O. to an employee. However, the Great Depression's economic impact led to further financial struggles, culminating in the company's receivership in July 1931.
Napier offered to buy Bentley with the purchase to be final in November 1931. Instead, British Central Equitable Trust made a winning sealed bid of £125,000. After the deal was completed, British Central Equitable Trust was revealed to be a front for Rolls-Royce Limited.
At the time of the Rolls Royce’s takeover, W. O. was still working and designing Bentleys as an employee. As soon as his contract expired in 1935, W. O. left the company and he joined Lagonda.
After the financial collapse of Rolls-Royce as a result of its development of the RB211 jet engine, the company was nationalised by the British government. The Rolls Royce car division was made an independent business – Rolls-Royce Motors Limited.
This entity, later acquired by Vickers plc in 1980, witnessed a resurgence in Bentley's luxury sports car market. The "Bentley renaissance" was further propelled in 1998 when Rolls-Royce Motors Limited came under the ownership of the Volkswagen Group, ushering in a new era of innovation and luxury.
Bentley car restorations and coachbuilt specials undertaken by Finch Restorations in recent times are provided below. Our team at Finch Restorations, boasting a rich history of over 58 years in vehicle restoration, has dedicated itself to preserving and enhancing the legacy of classic automobiles. Our expert craftsmen, employing a blend of traditional techniques and modern technology, meticulously work on each vehicle, ensuring every detail aligns with the original vehicle's ethos while incorporating contemporary advancements where appropriate.
Our portfolio showcases a range of projects, from the restoration of classic models that graced the roads in the early 20th century, to more recent and luxury editions. Each project is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our passion for bringing these automotive icons back to their former glory. We pride ourselves on our ability to maintain the integrity and spirit of the original designs while integrating modern functionality if requested by our clients, ensuring that each car is not just a showpiece but a fully operational piece of history.
We invite you to explore our portfolio gallery of completed projects, which includes detailed before-and-after photos, and descriptions of the restoration process. Whether you are an automotive enthusiast, a classic car collector, or someone interested in the intersection of tradition and innovation in automotive restoration, Finch Restorations offers an unmatched experience in the world of car restoration.
