There's a piece of 1930 crankshaft inside 100 new Bentleys

For the world’s “most sought-after luxury brand” the unusual inclusion in a quarter-of-a-million-pound limo is Bentley’s way of honouring the memory of its founder, WO Bentley, as its heads towards its 100th birthday on 10 July 2019.

The slice of crank is one of 100 pieces, all different, taken from the original crankshaft of WO’s own car: the imposingly large, luxurious and powerful 1930 8 Litre. The 100mph grand tourer, powered by a 7983cc straight six, was his last car for Bentley Motors and, bodied by Mulliner, is regarded as his finest saloon.

When WO’s actual car was bought back by Bentley in 2006, its restoration included replacing the original crankshaft with a new one. Thankfully they kept the old one…

Each of the 100 pieces it was chopped up into is now taking its place in the centenary spotlight: as a unique Bentley artefact exquisitely displayed under glass set into the veneered tray of the drinks cabinet between the rear armchairs. There’s even a marquetry panel depicting the 8 Litre, Art Deco style, set into the console. A plaque explains the significance of it all. If you are going to display a bit of engine in such a car, this is the way to do it…

The cars they are fitted to go by the name of Mulsanne WO Edition by Mulliner. There are just 100 of them for the world, the first will be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours in August and deliveries begin in 2019. As well as the slices of crankshaft, the 100 cars get special heritage hide emulating the patina of vintage cars, special paint, special leather, and special badgework. For the Bentley aficionado, the cars promise to become hallowed models.

As Bentley says, “it provides our customers with the opportunity to own a priceless piece of Bentley’s story.”

And WO’s original, now restored, 8 Litre? Then as now, that serves as the company car for Bentley’s chief executive.