Bentley Celebrates Blue Train Race

CARMEL, Calif., Aug. 20, 2005 -- Today Bentley Motors celebrates the 75th anniversary of the famous Blue Train race, with the launch of the Arnage Blue Train saloon at 'The Quail - A Motorsports Gathering' in California's Carmel Valley.

In March 1930, then Chairman of Bentley Motors, Woolf Barnato wagered 200 pounds Sterling that, driving his Bentley Speed Six, he could race Europe's fastest train, Le Train Bleu, from Cannes to London. Captain Barnato, his golfing partner Dale Bourn, and the Blue Train departed Cannes one night, and the history books recorded that Barnato pulled up outside his London club, just four minutes before the Blue Train reached its destination, the French port of Calais.

The event is just one of the thrilling and romantic episodes which make up the wonderful history and legends which surround the famous British marque. Over the past 86 years Bentley owners have included some of the world's richest, most famous and colorful personalities, a fact which is a major contributor to the marque's rich and fascinating identity.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Blue Train race, Bentley Motors today announced it will release a limited number (of 30 only) Arnage Blue Train saloons to the North American market.

The Arnage Blue Train features the 6.75 liter, twin turbocharged 450hp V8 engine matched with features crafted by Bentley Mulliner, the company's bespoke engineering and personal commissioning division, including chromed 17 inch sports wheels.

The specification also includes features which evoke elements of the Speed Six which Captain Barnato drove from Cannes to London. Like the Speed Six there is a chromed radiator shell, side vents on the car's flanks, black instrument faces, a smaller rear backlight and a superbly hand-crafted interior. The MSRP is USD$241,990.