Bentley Cars (1945-1965): Illustrated History Books & Guides

Rolls-Royce and Bentley - Sixty Years at Crewe

For more than sixty years, the Pym's Lane factory in Crewe was the centre of Rolls-Royce and Bentley car production. From the end of the Second World War until 2002, it served as the main manufacturing site for the brands' luxury automobiles.
The factory's role changed following the takeover of the business by the Volkswagen Group, which ended Rolls-Royce production at Crewe and expanded Bentley operations.

This updated edition by motoring expert Malcolm Bobbitt examines the development of key Rolls-Royce and Bentley models produced at Crewe. It covers Bentley Mk VI and R-Type models, as well as Rolls-Royce vehicles including the Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn, Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit, and later models such as the Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage.

The book also addresses the broader history of the company, including the relocation from Derby to Crewe after the war, its expansion during the 1950s and 1960s, the financial difficulties of the 1970s, and its subsequent recovery leading up to the eventual restructuring under Volkswagen ownership.

Illustrated with a wide selection of photographs, the volume documents the design, production, testing, and organisational processes behind these vehicles. It also highlights individuals who contributed to the development of the marques and provides a structured overview of their evolution in the post-war period.

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Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud - The Complete Story

Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley Motors in 1931, and while the Bentley name remained, its models increasingly shared Rolls-Royce components. By 1955, the Silver Cloud and Bentley S were essentially the same car with different badges. However, Bentley's sporting heritage continued with the exclusive Continental models based on these designs.

The Silver Cloud series marked a high point for Rolls-Royce. These cars had a unique presence, with the standard saloons known for their elegance and perfect proportions. Special-bodied versions showcased the craftsmanship of top coachbuilders.

With around 190 photographs, this book covers:
- The design and development of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S Type
- The production evolution of these models from 1955 to 1965
- The Bentley Continental variants derived from them
- The history of the Phantom V and VI limousines, produced from 1959 to 1990
- Technical specifications, including paint and interior options
- Production numbers and chassis codes
- A guide to buying and owning these classic cars

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Coachwork on Rolls-Royce and Bentley (1945-1965) : Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn & Silver Cloud

After 1945, Rolls-Royce and Bentley used standardized body designs, but for the next two decades, they also supplied chassis separately. Customers could then have these chassis fitted with custom coachwork by specialist coachbuilders like Mulliner, Park Ward, and James Young in Britain, or Graber, Farina, and Franay in Europe.

Pages of the book "Coachwork on Rolls-Royce and Bentley (1945-1965) : Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn & Silver Cloud"

Many buyers chose this option, and this extensively illustrated book showcases the wide variety of body styles created during this fascinating period. It includes chassis number lists for each coachbuilder, both in Britain and abroad, to identify their creations. This makes it an invaluable reference for anyone interested in Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars of the post-war era.

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Crewe's Rolls-Royce Factory - From Old Photographs

This book presents a collection of images that illustrate the presence of Rolls-Royce in Crewe, starting from the years before World War II. At that time, a factory was built in the town to produce Merlin aero engines, which were essential for powering Spitfires and Hurricanes in Britain's defense.

The images document both production and wartime destruction, showing the fight against fascism until peace was restored.
After the war, Rolls-Royce decided to repurpose the Pym's Lane factory for car manufacturing, making Crewe the center of its automobile production. The book features various Rolls-Royce and Bentley models produced there, showcasing the iconic RR emblem and Bentley's winged 'B'.

Many of the photographs showing production techniques and machinery have never been made public before, offering readers a valuable and insightful look at this history.

The book concludes with a detailed chapter on the people and events that shaped Bentley and Rolls-Royce in Crewe, leading up to the moment when the two brands separated. Bentley remained the sole owner of the Pym's Lane factory, continuing its legacy in the town.

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Original Rolls-Royce and Bentley 1946-65 - The Restorer's Guide to the 'standard' Saloons and Mainstream Coachbuilt Derivatives

Between 1945 and 1965, the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe produced exceptional motor cars. The Mark VI Bentley, the first fully built by Rolls-Royce, was introduced with a Pressed Steel body, while custom-built versions remained available.

In 1949, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was launched, followed by its Bentley equivalent in 1952, featuring an extended trunk. This led to the evolution of the Mark VI into the R-type. The 120 mph Bentley Continental became the pinnacle of Bentley performance.
In 1955, the Silver Cloud and Bentley S-series, nearly identical, were introduced with a 4.9-liter engine, later upgraded to a 6.2-liter V8 in 1959. Coachbuilt S-series Continentals continued as exclusive grand tourers.

"Original Rolls-Royce & Bentley 1946-65" is an essential guide to these refined cars, celebrated for their durability and craftsmanship. The book traces their development through detailed descriptions and color photographs, highlighting numerous specification changes resulting from Rolls-Royce's commitment to continuous improvement.

With over 250 commissioned color images, it serves as a valuable reference for owners, restorers, buyers, and enthusiasts, drawing from factory records, parts lists, and catalogues.

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Making Cars at Crewe

On 30 August 2002, the final Crewe-built Rolls-Royce left the production line, marking the end of an era. Peter Ollerhead, a former Rolls-Royce employee, spent years researching the company's history in Crewe from 1938 to 1998, focusing on the people behind its success.

This book, illustrated with over 80 photographs, details the challenges faced in establishing the factory, starting with the initial plans to build a Merlin aero engine plant.
The early years were marked by skill shortages, housing problems, and a strike, followed by a bombing raid in 1940 that killed 17 employees. The shift to car production after World War II and the company's diverse efforts, from supplying power units to the War Department to making hip joints for the NHS, are also covered.

Despite struggles, including two major fires, bankruptcy, and mass layoffs, Rolls-Royce became Crewe's largest employer, produced some of the finest luxury cars in the world, and significantly influenced the town. This book honors the workers who made it all possible.

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Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud & Bentley S-Series - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Series automobiles. Describes the Silver Cloud, S-Series, Continental, Limousine, Silver Cloud II, III, S2 and S2 LWB.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

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