Bentley Boys

In the late 1920's Bentley Motors decided the best way to advertise their very expensive sports cars was to build successful race cars. Half of the strategy worked.  During the later half of the 1920's Bentley dominated European race tracks, most especially the 24 hour race at Le Mans.

Piloting the cars were a collection of wealth and stylish young toffs known throughout the ages as the Bentley Boys. The two men above, Capt. Sir Tim Berkin and Captain Woolf Barnato were the most successful Bentley Boys winning LeMans 4 times.

The caption on the photo says it was taken 15 minutes before the start of the 1929 race.  The photo below taken moments later shows Woolf in his racing helmet. At the track they changed into overalls, Birkin adding his helmet and trademark blue and white polka dot scarf.  

They won the race.



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