From celebrity collectors to beloved literary heroes, Bentley’s place in the last century of pop culture cannot be denied.

THE QUEEN’S STATE LIMOUSINES

As two of the most significant modern ceremonial cars in British royal history, the Bentley State Limousines were commissioned especially for Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 to mark her Golden Jubilee. Designed in a unique claret and black royal livery, the limousines featured a higher roofline and large rear windows so the Queen could stand inside, offering ultimate ceremonial presence. Designed for maximum visibility that allowed the Queen to see the people and for the people to see her, the Bentley State Limousines remain part of the royal fleet today.

JAMES BOND’S BENTLEY BLOWER

Long before Aston Martin came to be associated with the films, a Bentley 4 ½ Liter Blower was the original Bond car. Author Ian Fleming stated that for Bond, “it was the Bentley that gave him pleasure in a world of necessities”, adding an air of classic British grandeur to his beloved character. Described as heavily modified for performance and long-distance driving, the 4 ½ Liter Blower was equipped with hidden compartments for a wealth of gadgets that gave the international spy all he needed to become a hero.

PARIS HILTON’S CONTINENTAL GT

Instantly recognizable in a bespoke bright candy pink shade, Paris Hilton’s Bentley Continental GT became one of the most photographed celebrity cars of the early 2000s. Featuring a pink and black diamante-encrusted interior, rhinestones on the gearstick and her glittering ‘PH’ initials emblazoned throughout the exterior, it was the ultimate Bentley for the ultimate party girl.

BENTLEY SPEED SIX

Undisputably one of the most important cars in Bentley’s history, the Speed Six represents the pinnacle of strength and endurance. Often the favored chariot of the Bentley Boys, the Speed Six went on to win the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race in both 1929 and 1930. The racing spec Speed Sixes had a top speed of 125 mph – which was extraordinary for the late 1920s – and a 6.5-liter inline-six, defining Bentley’s ethos for years to come.

ELTON JOHN’S 1990 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL

The British superstar has a well-known love for collecting luxury automobiles, and Elton John’s 1990 Bentley Continental was no exception. Commissioned by Mulliner, the singer described this model as his ‘beloved’, designed with a silver fine line on the exterior and an all-black leather interior, the 1990 Continental sold at auction in 2024 for $441,000.

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