Just like the big Bentley sedans, this suv will never see anything remotely resembling off road, but will come in handy when they are repaving the entrance to the country club. Is this what Bentley has become? Big, semi sporting luxury sedans, that have the cache', but not the price tag of a Rolls (not a criticism, by the way). Hey, look, I know that Bentley does a super coupe from time to time, but what about tradition? What about the old days? Well folks, Bentley hasn't forgotten their past, based on what else was shown at Geneva (no fair to skip to the end).
James Bond is equated with Aston Martin, but in Ian Fleming's original books, this famous super spy was behind the wheel of his beloved blower Bentley........
This was the Bentley of old, a hulking and powerful sportscar, that could rip around the laneways of Great Britain on her majesty's secret service. Perfect for James B and just about as stealthy as his latter day Astons.
Back in the day, Bentley even had what became known as the Blue Train Special, famous for being a high performance coupe, but just look at those achingly beautiful lines........
Back in those simpler times, when the idle (and rich) country gents had time on their hands, they conceived unusual ways to pass the time, when maybe it was a touch too brisk to play cricket or croquet. Imaginative gents decided that racing a train across France would be a great way to see the countryside. The train in question was called the Blue Train and Woolf Barnato, challenged it with his Bentley, which became known as the (drum roll, please), Blue Train Special. Racing from Calais to the French Riviera, Woolf beat the train by four minutes. Only four minutes you say? Yep, but think of the roads back then and give Woolf a hearty pat on his derriere for his efforts. I wonder what kind of a cricket player he was?
Since this illustrious nameplate was given new life by its owner VW, Bentley has teased us with the idea of a real sportscar, first with the EXP10 Speed 6.........
Note the less than subtle 6 in the grille, in case you were wondering what was just about to pass you. Lovely, but wouldn't a roadster stir the heart strings even more? Yes, of course, and now to the other very interesting Geneva debut at the Bentley display, the EXP12 Speed 6........
......complete with the cross stitch upholstery of the old Blue Train Special.......
The powertrain? Well folks, this is the new millenium, so some sort of hybrid power plant has been mentioned, but since this is a concept, Bentley could tell us it runs on Donald Trump's hot air and who are we to dispute it?
But wouldn't it be great if Bentley brought back a two seater like this, but will they? I haven't the slightest idea, but if I wanted to bet on a sure thing, I might pony up a few bucks on some version of this car becoming a reality. I don't believe I'd lose.
The only bad line on this beauty, might be the bottom one, so start saving.
Not living in the past, but remembering and respecting it, is Bentley's credo and VW has done this old nameplate proud. So grab your cheque book, debit card or whatever and trot on down to your nearest Bentley retailer. Tell them you are serious and get in line for one of these two seaters. Be the first on your block and remember........there is more to life than an suv.
Until next time.........
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