Bentley turns back time on the Isle of Man TT

Bentley marked the centenary of one of its earliest racing successes by lighting up the Isle of Man TT course with a special parade of its vintage models, including the oldest Bentley in existence. Back in 1922 Bentley fielded a trio of 3-litre models in the Tourist Trophy race around the island, with the cars placing second, fourth and fifth which was enough to secure the Team Trophy for the fledgling brand, just a year before it joined the grid for the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours. To mark 100 years since, Bentley arranged for 78 historic cars to take part in a parade lap of the 37.73-mile circuit, among them being EXP2, the oldest surviving Bentley.

WO Bentley released his first car, the 3-litre, in 1921. The ‘EXP’ designation cars were the ‘experimental’ forerunners and, while EXP1 has been lost, EXP2 survives.

EXP2 made its racing debut at Brooklands on May 7, 1921, and took its first win just over a week later. It was sold off in 1923, but is now fully restored as a pillar of the Bentley Heritage Collection.

Along with the parade lap, Bentley showcased a number of original 3-litres on Douglas Promenade, with the collection estimated to be worth more than £40m.