GOING PLACES: Barrett-Jackson joined Bentley in the Big Apple for a big celebration
December 11, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
In 1919, W.O. Bentley built his first car – the product of a passion for materials and fine craftsmanship that has defined Bentley over the company’s first 100 years. Barrett-Jackson was honored to partner with Bentley Motors to celebrate their Centenary, traveling with them across the country to find out just what makes Bentley the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world.
New York Centenary Celebration & Parade
In a city overshadowed by skyscrapers, the bustle of the concrete canyons was the ideal setting for the convergence of Bentley past, present and future. Five parades of customer-owned Bentleys showcased the brand’s lineage over the past 100 years as they descended onto Lower Manhattan. Adjacent the Hudson River, attendees gathered at the Brookfield Place waterfront, where the Centenary Concours highlighted the exemplary models of Bentley’s first century and beyond. The open-air concours played host to Bentley’s look forward to the next 100 years of sustainable automotive luxury with the EXP100 GT – a concept for the year 2035 that envisions bringing inspiration to the future of mobility and connection on an emotional level.
Bentley Americas President & CEO, Christophe Georges, addresses the crowd at the Centenary Grand Ball.
Marking its debut on the Eastern seaboard, the all-new Flying Spur luxury sedan led the procession of owner- and aficionado-driven Bentleys from Citi Field, along with a host of the marque’s latest new models, including the all-new Continental GT and Bentayga – Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid model that helps shape future hybrid-electric product portfolios. Gathering from various locations around the New York metropolitan area, the largest parade of Bentleys in North America parted the sea of yellow cabs, causing even the most jaded New Yorker to take notice. The evening culminated with the Centenary Grand Ball at the Conrad New York. Christophe Georges, president and CEO of Bentley Americas, Georges opened the event with a toast to founder W.O. Bentley, commenting, “Bentley is a magical fusion of craftsmanship and innovation.” With 350 in attendance, the Gala leapt to life in the rollicking style of the Roaring ’20s – which was perfectly fitting, as W.O. Bentley’s Le Mans dominance took place during this era.
In the spirit of the Bentley Boys, the evening’s activities continued into the wee hours of the morning, well-suited for the City That Never Sleeps. The penultimate event for Bentley Motor’s Centenary celebration in North America drew to a close, with Georges stating, “Manhattan was spectacular. My thanks go to everyone who joined us on this special occasion.”
Enjoy the video and photo gallery below marking this momentous occasion:
