Founded by the charismatic perfectionist W. O. Bentley in the years after the First World War, the firm went on to record an enviable reputation in the toughest of all races – Le Mans.

Woolf Barnato, Dr. ‘Benjy’ Benjafield and ‘Tiger’ Tim Birkin amongst others helped shape the mystique of the brand.

Their cars, right from the off, were highly thought of for their quality, comfort, speed and reliability.

They were also eye wateringly expensive. As this programme shows, the refusal to compromise on quality for the sake of cost led to a string of financial problems but through it all the flying ‘B’ logo stood proud.

Now, once more, a world leader in terms of luxury motoring Bentley’s life story is told here from the first beginnings right up to the present day.

All the major models are featured from the early Le Mans contenders to the Continental GT, via the Speed Six, the Mk VI and the Azure.

With a great mix of archive and contemporary footage combined with a knowledgeable and informative commentary this is the ultimate record of one of the most significant marques in British motoring history.

The Best of British Series is produced independently but made with the full co-operation of the subject manufacturers. It is not officially licensed or endorsed by them.