Wonder why Bentley cars fill you with lust? One Word: Embiricos

"Mosqvich" (mosqvich) 11/01/2013 at 19:58 • Filed to: Bentley, Embiricos, Continental

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I was out at lunch today and when I returned to my car, I looked up and saw a Bentley Continental trolling the parking lot for a space. It made me wonder why the fundamental shape of today's Bentley motor vehicles are so stunning. After perusing Bentley's history, I think I found the answer: André Embiricos.

Embiricos was your standard issue Greek shipping magnate who also raced cars and lived in Paris. He wanted a Bentley and as things were done in the 1930's he commissioned Georges Paulin, a designer working for coachbuilders Pourtout Carrossier. It would be based on the 4¼-Litre Derby Bentley. The car had a few requirements to live up to Embiricos' desires:

- It had to be fast.

- It had to be light.

- It had to be beautiful.

Paulin clearly succeeded. According to Bentley "The ‘Embiricos’ Bentley fulfilled all the criteria for a Bentley high performance grand tourer, achieving a timed 114.64 mph (184.5 km/h) over an hour at Brooklands, yet being civilised enough for Embiricos to use as a road car. Embiricos sold his unique Bentley late in 1939 to H.S.F. Hay who raced it in three post-war Le Mans 24-hour races, achieving a commendable 6 th place in 1949."

The lines are clearly the historical DNA for today's Bentley motor cars, particularly the Continental. "Although a one-off, reaction to the Embiricos Bentley encouraged the company to explore more streamlined styles for future production models. In 1939 Bentley designer Ivan Evernden worked with Paulin on a sleek Mark V prototype called Corniche. Unfortunately it was in France when WWII broke out and destroyed during a bombing raid on Dieppe while awaiting shipment to Britain. Post-war, many of the lessons of the Embiricos Bentley reached fruition in the glorious lines of the 1952 R Type Continental, and as such continue to be reflected in the iconic shape of today’s Continental GT coupe."

So, now I know why Bentley motor cars always catch my eye: enduring design language that speaks clearly to me. Now about the weird headlamps, I don't think Paulin would approve.

All photos courtesy of Bentley Motor Cars Ltd.

George McNally > Mosqvich 11/01/2013 at 20:50

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More than likely, I will never be able to afford a Bentley, other than going to Hershey every fall-I rarely see them.

All I can say is they all look special .

I know special might not be the best word to describe them, but when you see one- they are hard to forget.

dogisbadob > Mosqvich 11/01/2013 at 21:03

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Too bad nobody makes cars with fender skirts anymore

m2m, apex detective > Mosqvich 11/01/2013 at 21:35

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If we only take a look at the Continental alone, I can appreciate the simplicity and the quietness in its overall shape and design, but it was a terrible idea to design the headlights the way they look now. Way too googly and derpy, to use contemporary language.

desertdog5051 > Mosqvich 11/01/2013 at 23:15

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Great write up, Dan. Really appreciate that little bit of history.

SpiritOfTheNight > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:06

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Every time I see a Bentley, I consciously think how funny it would be if someone side swiped it with a Corolla. banging it up a little bit might fix it's case of the ugly.

stephen mcknight 2011@ hotmail.co.uk > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:13

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beautiful cars Bentley but i prefer, Roll Royce just a personal point of view.

Stefan25 > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:14

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Bentley's just look right, not sleek nor elegant, but the design is so much more concise, the rear lights are so well intergrated into the shape and the details are awesome. I love the V8, has the best lower front bumper on any bentley, and if i had the money which i never will i'd take it over any of the competition, especially as the interior design is so concise aswell.

BlackPenquinn > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:27

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Great write up. It all makes sense, except for the "make it light" comment. Have you driven a Continental??

They are many things , except light. I looked at, and drove the two seat Supersport edition. Thought it might be a great sporty car that could do inclement weather really well. I'm sure it can because although very fast, it also felt very heavy. That sense of wieght was always there. For many people, I'm sure that's very reassuring. I later had a chance to drive the V8 at Mosport, I can tell you the weight was not reassuring there.

But they are beautiful.

Beeblebrox237 > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:29

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I think the current Continental owes a lot to this Continental for its design.

b33g33 > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:35

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The current batch of Bentleys do nothing for me. I see a lot of conti-GTs rolling around Atlanta and honestly, I feel sorry for someone who buys one of these over a similarly priced Aston or Maserati.

Those old Speed bentleys though ....

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McSchmalex > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:36

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To me, and I know I am wrong in this, a Bentley is meant to be a car driven slow and for luxury and comfort. It isn't a sports car. It is meant to be something along the lines of a S-Class.

Obviously it has history in touring car racing, Le Mans etc. That heritage is bred into the car and it shows. But to me, again, the Bentley is for the gentleman, not the yob.

mgear > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:39

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Bentley cars feel me with lust?

I've always thought they were overpriced cars (Same with Rolls)!

Cameron Prescott > Beeblebrox237 11/02/2013 at 08:42

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The early continentals especially the S1 continentals are beautiful from any angle.

Syrax > dogisbadob 11/02/2013 at 08:43

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JayHova > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:47

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- It had to be fast.

- It had to be light.

- It had to be beautiful.

Well, now it's down to the fast bit (due to mahoosive engines). The Arnage and the Brooklands were the last goodlooking ones.

MattTurner > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:54

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I couldn't agree more - I took this photo of what CAN'T be a real Embiricos but gosh it looks like it at Classic Remise Berlin - kind of a consignment shop for classics. I was stunned by its lines and and size. I didn't look more closely or know what it was or I would have taken more pictures and asked about it. Anyone know what this is?

Reborn Pyrrhic > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 08:58

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Now, what happened to Rolls Royce's design after BMW? They all look like luxurious dump trucks.

theart > dogisbadob 11/02/2013 at 09:03

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Only because Honda ruined the Insight when they brought it back.

Ecklesiastik > McSchmalex 11/02/2013 at 09:09

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The bentley isn't a sportscar it's a grand tourer meaning its supposed to go like stink on a freeway while making no to fuss at all. In a bentley you should arrive at your destination comfortable and well rested no matter if you did a cross country stint or popped down to the local shop to buy some milk.

basically in a bentley the only difference between going 20 and 200 should be that whatever you see out the side windows should be a bit more blurry

PardonMyFlemish16 > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 09:10

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There's nothing about modern Bentleys that excites me. They're heavy, ugly, overpriced and generally owned by douchebags. Kudos to Bentley for adapting to the new money market and the 21st century though. Their old cars were elegant but way too old fashioned.

Kookanoodles > McSchmalex 11/02/2013 at 09:14

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Bentleys aren't Rolls-Royces, you know. Yes, they should be comfortable like a proper British luxury car, but Bentleys have always been powerful, loud and fast.

Kookanoodles > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 09:16

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I see more of this, the Park Ward-bodied S1 Continental, in the modern Continental.

Dineth J > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 09:17

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I'm sorry but I can't help but picture a drug dealer or a rapper when I see a Conti. Maybe its because I'm from NY but I don't even look at them in traffic, now, I will break my neck looking at a beat up Miata tho.

Only modern Bentlys I would consider classy are the Brooklands, Mulsanne.

Kookanoodles > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 09:17

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I've never been a huge fan of the Continental GT, probably because of the people who drive them. The new Flying Spur, however...

seriouslywhyiskinjastillterrible > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 09:37

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The design has grown on me somewhat. still not my first choice of shapes.

I think it looks better with the big wheels subdued a bit. and its a race car shape, so race it up a bit more.

Radcardude > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 10:14

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The Bentley is stunningly beautiful. I want one. With the W12 of course.

Felix Mulholland > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 10:18

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Yes, and the pre-war Corniche sallied on with the aero look. Not the happiest of lines, aesthetically, on either of them. Was the corniche a Van Vooren body ? I cannot seem to recall...

classycarlover69 > b33g33 11/02/2013 at 10:23

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Those old Bentley's are the only real Bentley's in my opinion. Everything since has been either a Rolls Royce impersonator or a puffed up luxury sports car for people who just like getting in other peoples' way while spending a lot of money doing it. Nobody buys them for the performance or the looks, they buy them purely because they are expensive and have a "prestige" name, they like them because they are huge and when they get in other peoples' way it means those people can stare at them for longer and "admire" them. Bentley drivers today are awful people.

ccstealth > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 10:45

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The side of the Bentley looks very good, but the front and the back are awful. On the whole, it is one of the worst looking mainstream luxury cars.

Bentley probably spent less time designing the rear of the Continental as Kia spent designing the windshield wiper stalk on the Rio, and it shows. Its a totally bland, mailed in effort. And the front is okay but the grill looks so cheap and chintzy; like the old days when Honda/Acura owners would use HomeDepot Gutter Guard or chicken wire as a grill.

DatHoonDoe > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 11:14

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I've never lusted for a Bentley, sorry. I see one and shrug it off: Rolls Royces, on the other hand, are stunning. It must be that massive grill.

McSchmalex > Kookanoodles 11/02/2013 at 11:39

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This is very true. And I know I am wrong. But for me... I guess I would want a slow(er) cushy sedan to roll like a boss.

Stradale > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 11:40

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Never been a Bentley fan unless its a 90's Turbo R, but the new Continental GT V8 S looks pretty good!

Gimmi-Sagan-Om-Draken > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 11:45

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I am now looking at a new Bentley, nothing in my pants is moving.

ZiptieMcBumper > George McNally 11/02/2013 at 11:56

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See, it's the opposite for me. I have never been a fan of the Continental. There aren't a bunch of them around where I live (maybe 3 or 4 in my 5 mile radius), so I definitely notice them.

However, unlike literally every other car I've ever liked, Continentals look worse the closer you get to them. They are special, but they're too bulbous. They don't elicit that response of " nice " like every time I see that Maserati Granturismo from down the street drive by.

The Brooklands, to me, is what a proper Bentley should look like.

phDiesel > b33g33 11/02/2013 at 11:58

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I live in Atlanta too and you couldn't be more right

I went to The Vortex last night and turned around and there was a Conti GTC stopped there and then 2 seconds later a Conti GT drove by. I'm so numb to them now. The first time I was one I was astounded but in the upscale market they're as exclusive as a Toyota Camry.

Mustang 'DontHitTheCrowd' GT > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 12:35

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Yeah those headlights on the modern guy look like poorly drawn circles. I understand it's for drag coefficient, etc. but I think it compromises the elegance of the car.

Otherwise, the silhouette is stunning.

Mosqvich > b33g33 11/02/2013 at 12:55

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Hmmm, I think the old Bentley speeds are magnificent, but they're not visually distinguishable, other than heft, from cars of the era.

VX Boy > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 13:04

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I saw one of these Bentleys last year, in Cornwall.

Mosqvich > VX Boy 11/02/2013 at 13:09

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There's only 1 Embiricos, though I think future Bentleys did have the same design cues.

Mosqvich > Kookanoodles 11/02/2013 at 13:12

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No doubt. It's a near direct descendant.

Mosqvich > seriouslywhyiskinjastillterrible 11/02/2013 at 13:14

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Hah! My wife and I were just watching a review of the Bentley Flying Spur. We loved the car except for the chrome rims. I guess this is what you get when your customers are all pro athletes and movie stars, with an oil sheik thrown in for good measure. Not exactly harbingers of good taste. #Bling

Mosqvich > Beeblebrox237 11/02/2013 at 13:15

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Which owes its design entirely to the Embiricos.

Mosqvich > desertdog5051 11/02/2013 at 13:16

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It's what I try to do. Digging into the various manufacturer archives is pretty interesting actually.

GrayHays > b33g33 11/02/2013 at 13:21

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Astons are beautiful, but the owner has to sit inside the car too. And the interior of an Aston is an ugly place. I would take a Conti GT V8 over a Vantage or Maserati any day.

Mosqvich > BlackPenquinn 11/02/2013 at 13:22

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Ah, the "make it light" refers to the Embiricos car and its use of aluminum, which I forgot to add into the story. They used Duralumin, which is an age-hardenable aluminum alloy. From Wikipedia: age hardening , is a heat treatment technique used to increase the yield strength of malleable materials, including most structural alloys of aluminium , magnesium , nickel , titanium , and some stainless steels . In superalloys , it is known to cause yield strength anomaly providing excellent high temperature strength.

Darn it, I hate that I left that out!!! But that's the light thing, nothing to do with modern cars. Imagine if Bentley made a Continental in carbon fiber for instance, maybe not all of it, but parts. I bet they could shave 1,000 pounds off the car. It'd still be heavy though.

Mosqvich > Dineth J 11/02/2013 at 13:24

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No need to apologize. That's why it's great living in "fly-over" land here in Colorado. It makes seeing nice cars a little more special. Plus we have mountains :-)

Mosqvich > Felix Mulholland 11/02/2013 at 13:30

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It appears Paulin did the design, but Van Vooren did the coach building.

Mosqvich > DatHoonDoe 11/02/2013 at 13:31

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:-) I'd have a hard time shrugging off either. I appreciate them for their beauty, engineering, but most of all their history.

Mosqvich > mgear 11/02/2013 at 13:32

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Go sit in one. Really pay attention to the details. Then go back and sit in a Cadillac, or even a BMW. There is no comparison. One is also paying for exclusivity.

Dineth J > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 13:33

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Continental GT with snow tires would be an awesome car for the folks in Aspen. :)

Mosqvich > Dineth J 11/02/2013 at 13:36

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They're there. I've seen them. It wasn't in Aspen, it was at the Ritz Carlton in Beaver Creek. There's a lot of money out here, but it's not concentrated. If we start fracking oil, it'll be like Saudi Arabia here.

appliance5000 > Kookanoodles 11/02/2013 at 13:53

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I think you're right. I had the mulliner Bentley R continental fastback in mind. The Embricos seems more related to talbots or other french sports tourers than Bentley.

b33g33 > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 13:58

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True.

I would argue that the current crop of Bentleys aren't much better though. Sure they may look different from the rest of the 100k - 200k club, but they are the lest attractive of the lot (in my eyes).

Awkwardly snub front end with a cluster of lights, bulbous rear and over sized wheels.

b33g33 > GrayHays 11/02/2013 at 14:04

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I seriously doubt that the average Bentley buyer is motivated by the interior trim.

In case you were wondering who that "average buyer" could be, here's a good example:

Honestly, it would be a lot cheaper to buy a better looking RS5 or RS7 And get a more understated but equally good interior.

Ark > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 15:41

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The only reaction I have to Bentleys is to think about all the better cars I could spend that money on.

ReallyAverageAvalon > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 16:42

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Kinda sucks that the "It had to be light" part of the equation got lost somewhere.

Mosqvich > Ark 11/02/2013 at 17:36

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There are plenty to choose from.

Mosqvich > ReallyAverageAvalon 11/02/2013 at 17:37

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I agree completely. Clearly MacLaren gets it, and even BMW with the i8. Heck, I wish my Fiesta weighed 500 pounds less. A lot of the issue now is the safety system requirements.

ReallyAverageAvalon > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 17:54

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I like old Bentleys a lot more than new Bentleys. I'd never actually go buy one even if I had the money. They're like a four wheeled living room built for sixty something surgeons more than a car to interest enthusiasts. Like the world's fastest Lexus or something.

Mosqvich > ReallyAverageAvalon 11/02/2013 at 18:00

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Actually I was smitten by a 2000 Bentley Continental R Mulliner. It was amazing. I wanted it. I think there is a Flying Spur in our distant future. You know, when we're in our sixties :-)

BlackPenquinn > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 18:03

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Ahh, I thought you comparing the design ethos of his car with the new cars. I wish the newer cars were lighter than the are.

Mosqvich > BlackPenquinn 11/02/2013 at 18:07

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Me too. It's ridiculous, bordering on lazy to not fight off every ounce. Heck, Lambo charges more for it!

Nedus > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 18:15

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Bentleys are nice, I like some of them quite a bit, but the only thing I've ever lusted after on a Bentley is the sound of the new V8 Conti. It's such a dirty sound, not at all what you'd expect from a Bentley.

Widget_Master > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 21:15

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I don't like Bentley cars.

Mosqvich > Widget_Master 11/02/2013 at 21:21

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From the bold and blunt department of Oppo!

JornVan > Mosqvich 11/02/2013 at 23:25

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This article is written by Bentley it self or by someone who doesn't encounter these cars that much. Todays Bentley's must be the most boring design money can buy.

Qurkless Hero > Mosqvich 11/03/2013 at 00:30

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Whenever I see a Bentley its just not as exciting as it should be. I know it has supercar performance and luxury liner quality but somehow its just to common a car to really jump out and say WOW.

Dragmasterflash > Mosqvich 11/03/2013 at 01:26

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Bentley Corniche. You're welcome.

Imagine driving one of these in 1939... or even today! Such a thing of beauty.

curbwatching > Mosqvich 11/03/2013 at 14:54

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The last Bentley to actually catch my eye would be the 1952 Continental.

Bentleys from the next few decades don't stand out much to me, beyond the obligatory "I'm very expensive" styling cues. There are a couple models here and there that could be called pretty, but nothing that would make me full of lust. Then again, I'm not a footballer, so I may just be the wrong audience.

curbwatching > dogisbadob 11/03/2013 at 14:56

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Careful what you wish for.

dogisbadob > curbwatching 11/03/2013 at 16:04

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Fender skirts are awesome in that car too!

Also, that first-gen Insight should've been the new CRX, and non-hybrid versions should've been available.

Dineth J > Mosqvich 11/03/2013 at 16:31

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Haha yeah. New money is the worst! Lol

yung bramblepelt > Mosqvich 11/03/2013 at 18:07

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I just wanted to say that (I'm Asian) "Embiricos" sounds like a stereotypical Asian person saying "umbilicals".

Mosqvich > yung bramblepelt 11/03/2013 at 20:19

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Nope, just a Greek/Romanian name.

pmoell > Mosqvich 11/04/2013 at 07:38

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and with winter approaching we are off to the ice again:

pmoell > Qurkless Hero 11/04/2013 at 07:40

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that is the idea behind it. otherwise buy a lambo...

pmoell > PardonMyFlemish16 11/04/2013 at 07:40

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have you driven one?

PardonMyFlemish16 > pmoell 11/04/2013 at 08:11

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No, but then nothing I dislike about it has to do with how it drives. I'd prefer something about 2000lb lighter with RWD and a naturally aspirated engine. Bentley has always and still makes cars whose main function is to project an image of wealth. Under all that is just a 5000lb A8 coupe, which I don't think anyone would call a great basis for a drivers car