In recent months we have spoken several times about the pomp that Bentley has organized for his centennial. Several have been new arrivals that he has presented to celebrate such an important birthday, however, he has reserved an ace up his sleeve. Just like with people, when a firm celebrates so many years of life, it helps it to treasure pieces y anecdotes unique. The best example is the mythical and unique Bentley Corniche de 1939.
El Bentley Corniche de 1939 marked a before and after in the future of the brand. With him, the design of its models changed with respect to those created in the 20s and 30s of the beginning of the century. The big news was the introduction of aerodynamic lines with those who improve speed and mechanical performance. Since then, he has been a continuous source of inspiration, but his life would be cut short by several tragic events.
Two accidents and a bombing wiped out the Bentley Corniche
El Corniche emerged as a high-performance version of the Bentley MkV. To do this, in addition to creating an exquisitely designed bodywork, it incorporated a lighter bodywork and a 4 1/4 liters modified displacement. The first and only unit was completed in May 1939 and was sent by road to the racecourse of Brooklands to perform various speed tests. However, in July he would have a accident against a bus, which would leave its bodywork damaged.
Once repaired in the workshops of vanvooren, returned to the test tests. This return would not last long, because on August 8, he had a second accident, because the driver had to drive off the road to avoid a collision with a wrongly parked vehicle in it. In this case, the damage was greater, since it hit a tree and, in addition to the bodywork, spoiled the chassis. The repairs were carried out between the Bentley and Vanvooren workshops.
The repairs had to be agile, since the Bentley Corniche should debut in Earls Court Motor Show and Paris. However, the plans would be cut short for the third time. Once the body was repaired, it was taken to Dieppe to be re-sent to the facilities of Crewe. However, an error in the organization of the transfer caused its delay. In the waiting time, the Gallic city was bombarded and the destroyed bodywork, leaving the Corniche without a chance to debut at scheduled appointments and dazzle the entire world.
The reborn Corniche arrives from the hand of Mulliner
After the vicissitudes that put an end to the Corniche in 1939, it would not be until 2001 that started the project for his resurrection. Thanks to historian, and former Bentley director, ken leah, supported by the W. O. Bentley Memorial Foundation and Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation he started. However, various economic problems caused the project to run aground in 2008. This was until Bentley He injected the necessary money, but in return he asked for a favor: that the works be ready for the brand's centenary.
Now, with the support of Mulliner, the team of experts were able to recreate with wood y aluminum Much of the original bodywork. To do this, they were based on the sketches that were still kept by the family of George Paulin, the designer who created their lines. A large number of Mulliner members have been involved in the process, contributing innovative ideas. Among them is one steam cabin to bend the pieces of wood that adorn the interior frames of the windows.
Thanks to the work of the experts at Bentley, the restoration of the 1939 Corniche has been very satisfactory. Highlights the painting that dresses its bodywork, called Imperial Brown and the lateral detail in Heather Gray. To recover the original tones, the paint department spent several months working to combine the necessary colors. Inside you can also appreciate the attention to detail. Highlights the Connolly Vaumol leather, West of England fabric and carpet, which comes from an original roll of the time.
However, years later Bentley would launch a new Corniche. This one would not have much to do with the one from 1939, since his relationship with Rolls Royce it was already stable. Now, although his models go in other directions, they can boast more than ever of his legacy. This Corniche, after going through several exhibitions, will return to the firm's private collection to swell an already vast history.
Source - Bentley
