Bentley star at Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

• Luxury and performance from across the ages on stand and track
• Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8 S to perform on circuit
• EXP2 from 1920, famous Bentley Blower and Blue Train car on display
• Bentley is a proud sponsor of Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

Bentley is attending this year’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power in Cheshire (12-14 June) with an extensive array of cars. Prominent models from the brand’s history and current line-up will be on hand, with a pair of Continental GTs in action on the famous track.

With 635 PS (626 bhp) and 528 PS (521 bhp) respectively, the Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8 S Grand Tourers will set a blistering pace around Cholmondeley’s narrow, twisting circuit. The Continental GT Speed coupe is Bentley’s fastest production car ever. Its Crewe-built, twin-turbo W12 engine produces a mighty 820Nm, which helps propel the car to its top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph).

Visitors will also find the Mulsanne Speed and Flying Spur – two of the world’s finest four-door saloons – on the Bentley stand. Hand-built at the home of Bentley in Crewe, the flagship Mulsanne Speed combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship. It takes over 400 hours for the dedicated team of 298 skilled craftspeople and artisans to build each car.

The origins of Bentley’s celebrated story will be on display at the event, held on the grounds of the Cholmondeley estate. The EXP2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. Built in 1920, the 3-litre 4-cylinder car has a top speed of 80mph, so it’s unsurprising that it was a successful racer in its day – claiming the brand’s first ever victory. The famous Bentley Blower will join its forebear at Cholmondeley. Featuring the legendary supercharger installation developed by Amherst Villiers, the Blower is arguably the most famous model from Bentley’s illustrious past.

This year is the 85th anniversary of that most famous Bentley Boy adventure – the Blue Train race. The car that (probably) accomplished the feat will also be at the event.

In 1930 Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (or ‘Blue Train’) back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel. He was, and the remarkable victory has resonated with Bentley enthusiasts ever since.

Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal Relations & Heritage, said: “The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is a local event for us – just 13 miles from Crewe and the home of Bentley. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship and skills of our 3,800-strong workforce, and the great heritage of our famous brand.”

For more information on the Bentley models on display please visit www.bentleymedia.com. Further details on the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power can be found at www.cpop.co.uk.