From 1926 to Today: Ten Bentley Icons to Headline Concours of Elegance 2025 at Hampton Court Palace
The Concours of Elegance 2025, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, will welcome Bentley Heritage as a partner for this year’s event, with the marque set to display ten of the most significant and celebrated cars from its expansive Heritage Collection. From pioneering 1920s racers to modern hand-built grand tourers, the line-up charts more than a century of engineering excellence, performance, and craftsmanship. A living history of one of Britain’s most revered automotive names.
Among the ten extraordinary cars on display will be four stand-out models that represent defining moments in Bentley’s story. The 1926 3 Litre Speed Model embodies the spirit of the original Bentley Boys era, when W.O. Bentley’s vision of creating ‘a fast car, a good car, the best in its class’ was realised on both road and track. With its race-winning pedigree at Le Mans, the Speed Model laid the foundations for Bentley’s enduring reputation in endurance racing and grand touring alike.
From the pre-war years comes the ultra-rare 1939 Mark V Corniche, a streamlined and elegant saloon that combined advanced chassis design with graceful coachwork. Built on the eve of the Second World War, it offered a glimpse of a new direction in luxury motoring, with aerodynamic lines that foreshadowed design trends for decades to come.
The post-war period is represented by the celebrated 1953 R Type Continental, widely regarded as the ultimate grand tourer of its era. Limited to just 208 examples, it was the fastest four-seater in the world at launch, thanks to its aerodynamic lightweight aluminium bodywork and powerful straight-six engine. With its combination of speed, elegance and long-distance comfort, the R Type Continental became a benchmark for luxury performance cars and a true motoring icon.
Completing this quartet of highlights is the 2010 Brooklands Final Series, a modern masterpiece hand-built by Bentley Mulliner. Named after the legendary British racing circuit, the Brooklands coupe pairs contemporary luxury with heritage values. Powered by a 6.75-litre V8 producing over 530bhp, it is a statement of bespoke craftsmanship, effortless performance, and commanding presence on the road.
James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “The Bentley Heritage Collection features some of the most beautiful and historically significant vehicles in the world. To see such important examples gathered in one place, on the lawns at Hampton Court Palace, will be a real privilege. The presence of Bentley Heritage this year adds yet more prestige to what is already shaping up to be a stunning event.”
The Bentley Heritage display will form part of a spectacular concours line-up, which gathers 60 of the world’s rarest and most spectacular cars, drawn from leading private collections across the globe. Beyond the main concours, visitors can enjoy additional features including the Levitt Concours, celebrating passionate female owners; the 30UNDER30 class, showcasing young enthusiasts; and the Club Trophy, bringing together the nation’s finest club cars.
Alongside the automotive displays, guests can enjoy a weekend of luxury hospitality, with champagne from Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and fine goods from leading brands in fashion, jewellery, and art. Presenting partner A. Lange & Söhne will also be displaying a selection of its most exquisite timepieces.