The aura surrounding Bentley at Le Mans is somewhat unique and the Bentley Boys, a group of wealthy British gentlemen, undoubtedly played a part in the British public’s fascination with the iconic French race.
The most famous of them all was Woolf “Babe” Barnato, who took control of Bentley in 1924. He pulled off the remarkable feat of winning all of his three consecutive races in which he took part (1928–30).
The very first of the Bentley Boys was however Captain John Duff, born to Canadian parents in China. When the First World War broke out, he crossed Russia and Europe to sign up to fight with the Allies. He only began racing in 1920 but picked up Bentley’s maiden Le Mans win in 1924 with Frank Clement.
This video retraces the history of the Bentley Boys and contains some fascinating footage and photographs from the earliest editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Video: YouTube – Carfection