2003

The company Bentley, which returned to Le Mans in 2001, believes in its chances of victory for this event which marks the 80th anniversary of the inauguration of the 24 Hour race.

Bentley was already present in 1923 as a pioneer at Le Mans. The following year, John Duff, a Bentley dealer from London, won with his personal car and was up against sixteen French brands, after having joined the circuit by road. He was the first of the “Bentley Boys”.

These runners, who were full of panache, enjoyed worldwide fame in the 1920s and 1930s. They have won Le Mans five times in just eight years. Woolf Barnato achieved the feat of winning the race in each of three occasions he took part: in 1928, 1929 and 1930.

The unusual approach at Le Mans is one where professionals and amateurs compete and these mythical figures provide the unsurpassable reference for male drivers.

But coming back to 2003… the two Bentleys in the running escaped to take the lead from the start of the race and had a flawless passage. As a symbol, Englishman Guy Smith is entrusted with the wheel of the Bentley no. 7 to cross the finishing line in front of the brand's second car. A history double, 73 years after the last Le Mans victory. The no. 7 paraded on the Champs-Elysées the day after its success. An unprecedented parade since Renault's victory in 1978!

Another reference to the past as a gala dinner was organised at the Savoy Hotel in London. The menu is identical to the one served to celebrate the victory of the glorious Bentley Boys in 1927.

The largest gap at the finish between the winner and his pursuer dates back to 1927 and can be seen in the book of records for this event. The victorious Bentley wins with 349, 808 km in advance!