World’s oldest Bentley returns to Isle of Man to celebrate 100 years since RAC Tourist Trophy win

MANILA: The oldest Bentley still in existence, the EXP2, returned to the Isle of Man last weekend, 100 years after it helped Bentley's team win the 1922 RAC Tourist Trophy.

A total of 78 Bentleys and vintage racers visited the island to pay their respects to one of the most illustrious and demanding racetracks in the world. The cars assembled on Douglas promenade early on June 25 to create one of the biggest static exhibitions of Bentley three-liter models ever seen.

The exhibition gave the general public and the owners the chance to observe, evaluate, and enjoy the diverse range of vehicles that span more than a century. It is uncertain that all of the Bentleys in the unique collection will ever be reunited again; their estimated value exceeds £40 million.

"It was great to see the energy and passion that the participants and their cars had created," Douglas Mayor Janet Thommeny said. After the exhibition, the owners were invited to meet Isle of Man Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE at Government House.

On Sunday, June 26, the cavalcade of Bentleys and the 1922 Sunbeam that won the race gathered in the pit lane to start a parade lap at 2 p.m. The day began with heavy rain and strong winds that caused challenging driving conditions. The weather later improved as the clouds dissipated. The parade set off on its historic trip through the villages, mountains, and kerbs of the renowned circuit. Some of W.O. Bentley's first cars made their way around the island while fans and spectators watched. All 78 vehicles made it back to the pit lane successfully within the next 90 minutes.

Owners from as far as New Zealand, America, and Switzerland traveled in recognition of Bentley winning the team trophy in 1922.

Photos from Bentley

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