Bentley

Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, the company quickly established its performance credentials with multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After its acquisition by Rolls-Royce in 1931, Bentley became a badge-engineered, sportier alternative for decades. The brand's revival began under Vickers in the 1980s and accelerated dramatically with Volkswagen Group's acquisition in 1998, which led to modern icons like the Continental GT.

Collectors are drawn to Bentley for its unique combination of hand-crafted luxury and formidable performance. The appeal varies by era: pre-war 'W.O.' Bentleys are sought for their raw, motorsport pedigree, while post-war models like the R-Type Continental offer elegant high-speed touring. Modern classics, such as the Arnage and early Continental GT, provide immense road presence and power for a fraction of their original cost, attracting a new generation of buyers.

The market for Bentleys is highly segmented. An average sale price near $60,000 is heavily influenced by the volume of depreciated modern models. At the top, pre-war racers and rare coachbuilt cars command six-figure prices. In contrast, 1970s-1990s saloons can be surprisingly affordable to buy, but their notorious running costs keep values in check.

Prices for Bentley models span a vast range, from as little as $500 for project cars to over $345,000 for pristine pre-war or limited-edition examples.