Bentley Recreates 1939 Corniche

Many carmakers are missing their historic machines, giving wealthy customers an opportunity to buy reborn versions of the legendary cars that was previously only seen in movies.

Surely, those vehicles would make a big comeback as they’re still extremely desirable, especially to antique car lovers. However, reintroducing an antecedent glory wasn’t what Bentley pleased with. The British marque’s creation to celebrate its centenary was a completely new special model that was in a class by itself.

The car in the picture you see here is a 1939 Bentley Corniche, one of only two ever built by the luxury car maker, as well as the only surviving model today. The other one was permanently disabled due to bombing attacks on Dieppe, France during World War II.

The car was made as part of a practice to build a sportier version of the MkV saloon. It was a kind of proto-four door coupe, having no B-pillar and its rear doors were of the suicide type.

Under the Corniche’s bonnet lies a 4.25 liter powerhouse, the same unit found in the MkV. The Corniche managed to reach a top speed of 100 mph during testing at Brooklands track, partly thanks to its new streamlined grille design.

In the middle front end, beneath the grille, sits something that steals our attention, which is the classic-looking central headlight. Such a style is extremely rare, thus making this car an absolutely unique vehicle.

As always, when it comes to special projects, Bentley entrusts the recreation job to its bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner. According to Bentley, Mulliner used as many original parts and spares as it could to build the new Corniche.