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Driven by Passion
As a proud British brand, Bentley is synonymous with unrivalled heritage, craftsmanship and luxury. It is a reputation that perfectly aligns with Hand Picked Hotels, which is why we have enjoyed a successful relationship spanning many years. To learn more about Bentley’s enduring appeal, we invited Joanna Way, Director of the Bentley Drivers Club, to Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, where we explored the Club’s growing fan base of this most treasured motoring marque.
Few names in motoring evoke quite the same mix of elegance, performance and history as Bentley. Founded in 1919 by WO Bentley, the marque was born from one man’s determination to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” It all began in a humble stable, with straw cleared from the floor to make way for a workshop. By 1924, Bentley’s cars were making history on the racetrack at Le Mans, securing a string of victories from 1924 to 1929 and cementing their place as icons of British engineering.
Over a century later, the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) keeps that spirit alive, a community bound not just by cars, but by a shared love of heritage, craftsmanship and the thrill of the drive.
Few people embody that passion more than Joanna, who has been a Bentley devotee since 1985. She describes the marque as “the ultimate British quality car, powerful, beautifully built and steeped in history. Nothing else comes close.”
Joanna’s own journey with Bentley began with a boyfriend’s vintage 3-litre WO model; the very first car the founder built. She explains, “I was invited out for a drive, and it was the most extraordinary experience. It sparked a love affair for Bentley that has never faded.”
For Joanna, “The Directors are primarily guardians of the Club, ensuring members get what they want, safeguarding the heritage and nurturing the community that makes this Club so special.”
The Bentley Drivers Club is far from a small, exclusive circle. With nine UK regions and branches in France, Japan, the Middle East, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and the USA, it is a global network with a distinctly personal feel.
“The ultimate British quality car, powerful, beautifully built and steeped in history. Nothing else comes close.”
Joanna Way
Diversity, Passion and Pride
The Club is as diverse as it is passionate and prides itself on being far from ‘just for posh boys with vintage cars.’ Members range from lifelong enthusiasts to newcomers, with a growing number of women joining the ranks. Five of the nine UK regions are now chaired by women, and the membership spans all walks of life.
“There are people in the Club who don’t have huge incomes,” Joanna notes. “For many, their Bentley is their pride and joy, but you can buy one for a reasonable price. The main cost is maintenance, but the Club offers numerous ways to help. We share parts, expertise and stories. It is about friendship as much as motoring.”
For members, the Bentley Drivers Club is an invitation to a lifestyle. From countryside gatherings where polished cars are judged as much for their gleam as their engineering, to high-octane moments on the track, every event blends history with camaraderie.
Two flagship annual gatherings bring members from across the globe. In summer, picturesque venues, often the manicured lawns of historic country houses, play host to picnics, judging events and the sight of hundreds of gleaming Bentleys. In contrast, the Silverstone meet sees members join forces with fellow marques such as Morgan and Aston Martin for a day of racing and parades on the legendary circuit. Both events are attended by members from Europe and America.
“We are not just a club. We are a family bound by a love of Bentley and everything it stands for.”
Joanna Way
While the Club celebrates its vintage and pre-war treasures, it also embraces Bentley’s future. The marque’s first fully electric model is on the horizon, promising to be ‘the best of the best’ in sustainability, craftsmanship and performance.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Bentley Drivers Club is that you do not need to own a Bentley to be part of it. For enthusiasts, it is a way to immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of an iconic British brand.
“Join as soon as you can and become part of the journey,” Joanna advises. “Get involved, come to events and make the most of the experiences. Once you have bought your Bentley, the Club keeps that magic going.”
The Bentley Drivers Club marks its 90th anniversary in 2026, with several special celebrations planned. You can become a Member of the Bentley Drivers Club through the Club website, www.bdcl.org, or call the Club Office on 01295 738886 for more information.