Bentley Motors is commemorating the launch of their all new Bentley Flying Spur with a nod to the past. Today and tomorrow, the century old coach builder is unveiling the 2019 Flying Spur alongside the storied S1 Continental Flying Spur at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance. The event, which is sponsored by watchmaker Richard Mille for 2019, originally dates back to the years of the classic Concours d”Elegance of the 1920’s. Today, the Chantilly Arts & Elegance is well regarded for bridging the gap between cutting edge new automobiles and honoring classic models from the past.
This event is held at the famed Chateau de Chantilly about 50 kilometers north of Paris; it is now the temporary home of what can only be described as a full on exhibit which is 100 years of Bentley. The all new Flying Spur is being exhibited side by side with its ancestors that include the 1958 S1 Continental Flying Spur and the 1953 R-Type Continental. Bentley is also displaying their Bentayga V8, Continental GT, and Continental GT Convertible.
Stepping away from the Manufacturers Village and unto the Concours display located on lawns designed by Andre Le Nôtre , spectators will take note of 17 Bentleys made between 1928 and 1963. A total of three classes in the Concours d’Etat will be dedicated to Bentley, which include the “road cars pre-war”, “racing cars pre-war” and “post-war cars”. The seventeen vehicles range in models, however the highlight was undoubtedly the Bentley Blue Train. The complete list of Bentley’s on display is as follows.
Bentley centenary’s special – Road cars (Pre-War)
Bentley 4.5 Litre Saloon (1929)
Bentley Speed Six Saloon (1929)
Bentley 8 Litre Foursome Coupé (1931)
Bentley 3 1/2 Litre (1934)
Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Standard Saloon (1938)
Bentley centenary’s special – Racing cars (Pre-war)
Bentley 4 1/2 Litre (1928)
Bentley Speed Six Le Mans Open Tourer (1928)
Bentley Speed Six “Old No.3” (1930)
Bentley 3 1/2 Litre Drophead Coupé (1934)
Bentley Barnato Hassan Special (1934)
Bentley 4 1/4 Litre 3 Position Drophead Coupé (1936)
Bentley centenary’s special – Post-War cars
Bentley Mark VL Cresta (1948)
Bentley Type R Continental Fastback (1955)
Bentley S1 Cabriolet Graber (1956)
Bentley S1 Continental Fastback (1956)
Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur (1963)
This year’s Concours d’Etat was attended by some of the world’s most prominent automotive enthusiast, who reveled in the beauty of over 100 pristine classic cars that were delivered to the Chateau de Chantilly from all across the globe. All of these incredible automobiles arrived for one critical purpose, to achieve the Best of Show award, which is regarded as the “crème de la crème” of Chantilly.
The fifteen classes of automobiles at Chantilly, which each include six cars, will be judged on their respective provenance, rarity, conservation and the quality of their upkeep.
Images Courtesy of: Bentley Motors
