Two treats for Bentley-lovers have hit the news this week: first, an interview with Derek Bell about the Bentley Continental Supersports, with footage of the car in action at the Festival of Speed… and secondly, advance news of a remarkable ‘parts and accessories sales fair’ at Bentley Motors in Crewe.

Derek Bell first (of course). The fastest and most powerful road car in the 90-year history of Bentley, the 621bhp Continental Supersports, was given a real work-out on the hill at Goodwood by the Le Mans hero himself. “You need to drive the car really fast to understand the improvements,” he says in the video, which you can see below. What a pleasure to witness the 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged two-seater driven hard on the tight and twisty hillclimb.

Meanwhile, ‘one of the motor industry’s hidden treasure troves’ will be opened up to owners, enthusiasts and traders on 26-27 September, with a one-off parts and accessories sales fair at Bentley Motors. This will give visitors the chance to buy such things as a V8 engine block or replacement gearbox, or perhaps simply an indicator bulb; or pristine, 1950s handbook, direct from Bentley.

The 143,000sqft warehouse on the outskirts of the Cheshire town holds more than 55,000 part lines for all Bentley models (1955 onwards) – not to mention for Rolls-Royce cars built in Crewe (1955-2002). According to Steve O’Hara, Bentley’s Director of Aftersales, “Even Bentley employees describe our parts and accessories operation as a ‘goldmine’ and are slightly overawed by the sheer number and variety of parts and accessories we can supply.”

Over the weekend, some of Bentley’s factory-trained experts will provide visitors with advice on identifying and sourcing the correct parts for their car. And, unlike an autojumble, the parts will all be original and unused, and backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the team at [email protected] before 21 August.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Bentley