The 1932 Bentley Blower is the most expensive Bentley ever sold, fetching $7.06 million at auction. Originally one of four "Blower" Bentleys modified for racing by Tim Birkin starting in 1929, this restored example retains its original chassis, body, and red paint underneath subsequent overpainting. As an enduring symbol of Bentley's fearless early racing exploits and British derring-do, the "Blower" encapsulates the romance and intrepid spirit of the brand's origins.
From its humble beginnings in 1919, Bentley has cemented itself as one of the preeminent luxury car brands in the world. Known for exquisite craftsmanship and high-performance engines, these British-made automobiles combine elegance, speed, and prestige into beautiful driving machines.
As Bentley’s reputation and renown has grown over the past century, so have the price tags on their most exclusive models. Let’s take a look at the 10 most expensive Bentleys ever – from multimillion dollar vintage racers to modern coachbuilt masterpieces. Buckle up for some truly breathtaking prices!
Top 10 Most Expensive Bentley
#10. Bentley EXP 9 F Concept
Kicking off the list is a one-off concept car unveiled by Bentley at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the EXP 9 F, it was intended to showcase Bentley’s ambitions to develop a luxury SUV model.
Although the EXP 9 F was only a concept and never went into production, its huge 23-inch wheels, muscular styling, and rumored twin-turbo W12 engine still turned plenty of heads. With an estimated $1 million price tag, it showed Bentley was willing to push the limits of design.
#9. 1957 Bentley S1
This meticulously restored 1957 Bentley S1 sold for over $1.2 million at auction – testament to the collectability of 1950’s Bentleys in prime condition. During the 1950s, extravagant styling touches were applied to Bentley cars as postwar prosperity took hold.
This extended wheelbase S1 is the ultimate example, featuring custom “Dove Blue” paint, intricate pinstriping, and a wonderfully elegant design only 1950’s Bentleys could pull off.
#8. 2009 Bentley Azure T
In production between 2006-2012, the stunning Azure T convertible built upon previous generations of Bentley’s glamorous 4-seat drop tops. Powered by a turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 pumping out 500 horsepower, the Azure T could rocket its ultra-luxurious cabin to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
With a profile spanning over 17 feet long and doors nearly 5 feet long, the Azure T makes quite the entrance for nightlife arrivals along the Cote d’Azur.
#7. 2008 Bentley Brooklands
A grand touring coupe boasting the largest displacement engine of any Bentley, the imposing Brooklands model pays homage to Bentley’s remarkable racing heritage of the 1920’s.
Underneath its bulging aluminum hood lies a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 530 horsepower – capable of propelling the nearly 3-ton British luxury liner to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds flat.
With interior appointments such as diamond-quilted leather seats and rear picnic tables, the Brooklands remains devoted to Bentley traditions of effortless high speed touring in leather-scented opulence.
#6. 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
The current flagship convertible model of the Bentley lineup, the Continental GT Speed Convertible melds wind-in-your-hair excitement with earthshaking power and lavish accommodations.
Housing a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 motor developing 650 horsepower, this Bentley beast can hit 60 mph in a physics-defying 3.6 seconds.
Yet even while unleashing supercar acceleration, the Continental GT Speed Convertible surrounds occupants with ultra-premium details like diamond-pattern stitching, numerous piano black surfaces, and even the option for carbon fiber as an interior trim.
#5. Bentley Mulliner Bacalar
Announced in early 2020 as Bentley’s rarest two-seat model since WWII, the Bacalar represents a return to coachbuilding with 12 units to be handcrafted by Mulliner. The Bacalar introduces a sleek exterior design language while encapsulating an interior that looks straight out of a private jet cabin.
Power comes from an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, specially tuned to produce 650 horsepower just like the Continental GT Speed Convertible. With a price just under $2 million, the 12 Bacalars exemplify the pinnacle of contemporary Bentley artistry and customization.
#4. 1999 Bentley Hunaudières Concept
First debuting at Geneva in 1999, the Hunaudières remains among the most radically designed concepts ever created by Bentley. Envisioned by Bentley’s then head of design Graham Hull, the sinuous Hunaudières was inspired by Le Mans prototype racers with an elongated silhouette and tail fins meant to evoke endurance speed.
Under its striking form lies the W12 engine which later powered Bentley’s rebirth in the early 2000’s. Valued at over $4 million due to its unique BMW-sourced V12, advanced styling, and significance as the progenitor to Bentley’s W12 grand tourers, the Hunaudières represents an important chapter in the marque’s revival.
#3. 1996 Bentley Rapier
Prior to its acquisition by Volkswagen, Bentley fell under ownership of Vickers which aimed to revive sales with modern interpretations of vintage Bentley glamour. This culminated in 1996 with the Rapier four seat convertible – originally priced around $250,000 but now valued at nearly $4.5 million.
Meant to invoke the swagger of 1930’s Bentleys updated for 1990’s plutocrats, the Rapier wears its hand-beaten aluminum body with great distinction.
Yet under the lengthy hood beats the heart of a lion – a turbocharged 6.75-liter BMW V8 pumping out over 400 horsepower. Bearing no expense for comfort or material quality, the Rapier lives up to its sharp namesake while meeting all the traditional expectations of a proper Bentley Grand Tourer, infused with continental dashing charm.
#2. 1930 Bentley Speed Six Open Tourer
In the pantheon of vintage Bentleys adored by collectors, the iconic Speed Six models built between 1926 to 1930 have achieved exalted status. Powered by Bentley’s race-proven 6.5-liter six cylinder engine, the Speed Six delivered scintillating performance cloaked in refined British elegance.
This particular 1930 Open Tourer attracted a winning bid of over $5.7 million thanks to its extraordinary original condition with coachwork by Vanden Plas. A pinnacle representation of British interwar aristocratic sporting life, the Speed Six remains a crown jewel for vintage Bentley enthusiasts and auction goers alike.
#1. 1932 Bentley Blower
The 1932 “Blower Bentley” is not only the most expensive Bentley ever, but one of the most celebrated vehicles in all of motoring history. Conceived by Tim Birkin, the original 4 “Blower” Bentleys were modified starting in 1929 at the Bentley works to help achieve race victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, highlighted by Birkin’s epic 1930 race where he averaged over 92 mph for more than 7 hours in his red “Blower Bentley.”