The decision was taken in 1950 to develop a Bentley motor car capable of producing high maximum speeds ideal for Continental touring on the long straight roads of Europe.

Although owned by Rolls Royce, there was a desire by some internal personnel to differentiate the more sporting Bentley brand from the conservative nature of its illustrious owner and to try and appeal to a younger affluent audience overseas who preferred driving their cars rather than sitting in the back.

The higher speeds were to be coupled with correspondingly high rates of acceleration and excellent handling.

To achieve these lofty ambitions a tremendous amount of research and testing were conducted using quarter scale models in the Hucknall wind tunnel.

Extensive testing and alterations allowed Ivan Evernden and John Blatchley of the Motor Car Division to design a body not only of exceptional style, but also of an aerodynamic shape that reduced drag and achieved excellent levels of stability even at speeds of...