World’s oldest Bentley celebrates centenary Isle of Man TT victory

The world’s oldest Bentley returned to the Isle of Man to celebrate the brand’s centenary victory at the Isle of Man TT. The EXP2 was joined by more than 70 other Bentleys to pay homage to one of the most famous and challenging race circuits in the world.

All of the cars gathered on Douglas promenade to form one of the largest static displays of Bentley three-liter models ever seen last weekend. The display offered Bentley owners and attendees of the event the opportunity to admire, compare and appreciate the vast array of cars that date back over a century.

The rare collection of Bentleys, per the carmaker, had an estimated value in excess of £40 million. It is also unlikely that all of these cars will be in the same place together again.

The mayor of Douglas, the capital of Isle of Man, attended the display and welcomed owners to the island. Mayor Janet Thommeny noted that “it was great to see the energy and passion that the participants and their cars had created.”

Owners of the showcased Bentleys were invited to visit Government House and meet Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE, the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.

The following day saw the said Bentleys gather in the pit lane to begin a parade lap that welcomed them with strong winds and heavy rain. While the cavalcade commenced with uncomfortable driving conditions, the Bentleys soon saw the weather improve.

With a police escort, the parade began the historic journey through the villages, mountains and chequered curbs of the famous circuit. Well-wishers and spectators looked on as some of WO Bentley’s earliest cars made their way around the island, with all 78 cars successfully returning to the pit lane within the following 90 minutes.

Owners had traveled from around the world as far afield as New Zealand, America and Switzerland in recognition of Bentley winning the team trophy in 1922.

Photos from Bentley

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