World record - 1,321 Bentleys at Blenheim

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Bentley Drivers Club smashes world record for Bentley gathering at Blenheim Palace

The Bentley Drivers Club is delighted to announce that it has smashed its '1,001 Bentleys at Blenheim' target at its Concours d'Elegance on Sunday 8 September – with an incredible world record gathering of 1,321 magnificent Bentleys eventually parked up on the historic palace’s pristine lawns.

And of these 1,300 magnificent Bentleys of all ages and models perfectly highlighting Bentley’s illustrious 100-year history, one took the official plaudits: BDC Member Dean Kronsbein’s beautiful 1953 R Type Continental which was named Best in Show.

Under glorious sunny skies, a huge number of Members, guests and Bentley enthusiasts poured through the Blenheim gates for the BDC Concours – held in association with Salon Privé – to browse the wonderful array of assembled cars and enjoy the day’s special garden-party atmosphere.

Some 16 prizes were up for grabs across the various classes, including Concours (from which the Best in Show was chosen among 40 stunning examples), Patina (judges assessed a record 300 entries) and the Inter-Regional Team Challenge. And all were presented against the spectacular backdrop of the celebrated palace.

Aside from Dean Kronsbein claiming the WO Bentley Memorial Foundation Trophy for Best in Show, Dutch Member Maurits van Son’s gorgeous 1928 4 ½ Litre Jarvis Body Boattail took the Bentley Trophy as the overall Patina winner, and the Mid-West Region retained the Kensington Gardens award, thanks to its three-car team of John Harris (1926 3 Litre Vanden Plas Tourer), John Churchill (1938 4¼ Litre Derby) and Terry Unwin (1957 S1 Continental).

Adding to the memorable spectacle which proved a photographer’s paradise was a special Exhibition class showcasing 20 superb models representing Bentley’s storied 100-year history. Among these were two incredibly rare models: Dean Kronsbein’s 1947 Mk VI Franay Cabriolet, one of only two in the world, and fellow Club Member Jack Henley’s 2008 Continental GT Zagato, of which only nine were built. Also on display was a unique pop art car, a Continental GTC V8 S, whose striking paintwork was designed by celebrated artist Sir Peter Blake.

BDC President Duncan Wiltshire commented: “To smash the 1,001 target by over 300 cars is a truly fitting tribute to the Bentley marque’s centenary. To say the assemblage made for an unforgettable spectacle is an understatement!

“The Club would like to sincerely thank all our Members and guests who attended the event, along with Bentley Motors and Salon Privé, for their amazing support in helping us achieve this incredible turnout. I also thank all the Club’s judges and volunteers for their excellent efforts, and congratulate Dean on his deserved success – his gorgeous R Type was a worthy winner.”

Words by Stuart Newman.

Image captions:

1 and 2: Stunning aerial shots of the world record 1,321 Bentleys at Blenheim (by Salon Privé).

3: Patina and Best in Show winners: Maurits van Son (1928 4 ½ Litre Jarvis Body Boattail), left, and Dean Kronsbein (1953 R Type Continental) in front of Blenheim Palace (by Phil Kroll).

4: The Mid-West retained the Inter-Regional Team Challenge trophy – John Churchill (1938 4¼ Litre Derby), front left, John Harris (1926 3 Litre Vanden Plas Tourer), alongside, and Terry Unwin (1957 S1 Continental), behind (by Terry Unwin).

5: Pop art Continental GTC V8 S with paintwork designed by artist Sir Peter Blake (by Stuart Newman).

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