The Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious single-marque motoring clubs in the world. Founded in England in 1936, it has grown from a small gathering of enthusiastic Bentley owners into an international organisation bringing together thousands of members united by their shared passion for Bentley cars.
BENTLEY HERITAGE & THE BENTLEY BOYS
To understand the Bentley Drivers Club, one must first appreciate the extraordinary heritage of Bentley as a motor manufacturer. Bentley Motors was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley with the ambition of building “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” (Read here the article: “W.O Bentley For Eternity“.)
Throughout the 1920s, despite persistent financial difficulties, Bentley established an outstanding reputation for engineering excellence and motor racing success. The marque achieved particular distinction at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the famous endurance race five times between 1924 and 1930.
During this remarkable period, the exploits of the “Bentley Boys” played a decisive role not only in shaping the unique history of the Bentley marque, but also in laying the foundations of two of the world’s most distinguished Bentley organisations: the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) and the Benjafield’s Racing Club (BRC).
The Bentley Boys were a group of fearless racing drivers, predominantly British but including two Frenchmen, all of whom shared one essential qualification: at least one appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930 – at the wheel of a Bentley.
Without exception, they were united by an unbridled passion for motor racing, speed and adventure. Equally important were the qualities of camaraderie, sportsmanship, elegance and a distinctive style of living, all of which became defining characteristics of the group.
The number of Bentley Boys evolved throughout the seven remarkable years during which Bentley forged its legendary reputation at Le Mans. Some of them remained relatively discreet, while others achieved a level of success, public recognition and charisma that earned them legendary status. Each, however, contributed in his own way and according to his own personality to the construction of the Bentley legend.
Contrary to the simplified version of history that is often repeated, the Bentley Boys cannot be reduced to merely five or six celebrated names. Whether through historical shortcuts, limited knowledge, attempts to rewrite history or simply collective amnesia, many deserving figures have too often been overlooked. Taking into account every Bentley participation and victory at Le Mans during the period, it is fair to say that there were in fact around twenty genuine Bentley Boys.
The British Bentley Boys included John Duff, Frank Clement, Woolf Barnato, Henry “Tim” Birkin, Dr John Dudley Benjafield, Sammy Davis, Glen Kidston, Bernard Rubin, George Duller, Leslie Callingham, Clive Gallop, Francis Curzon, Richard Watney, Tom Thistlethwaite, Herbert “Bertie” Kensington-Moir, together with the brothers Jack and Clive Dunfee. The French Bentley Boys, André d’Erlanger and Jean Chassagne, may have numbered only two, but they gave every bit as much of themselves to the Bentley cause.
Nor should the achievements of these racing drivers overshadow the invaluable contribution of the Bentley Boys mechanics. Without their dedication, technical expertise and unwavering support, none of the competition cars would have achieved such success. They designed, improved, maintained and continually refined the racing Bentleys that became legends in their own right. Their story has deservedly been told by Elizabeth Nagle in her excellent book The Other Bentley Boys, which I wholeheartedly recommend.
THE ORIGINS OF THE CLUB
The Bentley Drivers Club was founded in March 1936 by Keston Pelmore, a young and enthusiastic owner of a Bentley 3 Litre (later replaced by a Bentley 4½ Litre), who was convinced that other Bentley owners shared his admiration for mechanical excellence, performance and the pleasure of driving. He wished to establish a club run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, where members could meet and exchange a wide variety of experiences.
Keston Pelmore then came up with the idea of placing invitation cards beneath the windscreen wipers of Bentleys parked at the famous Brooklands circuit during the season’s opening meeting in March 1936. Each owner was invited to contact Pelmore if he wished to participate in the creation of such a club.
The response was immediate and encouraging. The Bentley Drivers Club was officially constituted on 6 July 1936 and quickly attracted the support of many of the personalities associated with Bentley’s golden age.
Less than a month later, the Club organised an outing to the Old Bell at Hurley, Berkshire, attracting no fewer than 31 Bentleys. Later that year, a two-lap race on Brooklands’ Outer Circuit brought together 14 entrants.
By the end of 1936, the Bentley Drivers Club already had 54 members. Membership continued to grow steadily, reaching 110 before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Keston Pelmore joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, but on 27 December 1941 the Vickers Wellington bomber of No. 101 Squadron that he was piloting was shot down during a raid over Düsseldorf. There were no survivors.
The war claimed not only the life of Keston Pelmore but also those of many other members of the Bentley Drivers Club.
AIMS & PURPOSE
The primary mission of the Bentley Drivers Club is to preserve, promote and celebrate Bentley motor cars and the culture that surrounds them.
Unlike some organisations dedicated to historic vehicles, whose activities focus primarily on preservation and static display, the Bentley Drivers Club is committed to keeping the Bentley heritage alive by encouraging owners to use and enjoy both their vintage and more contemporary Bentleys exactly as they were intended to be enjoyed: by driving them at every opportunity.
The Club regularly organises a wide variety of activities throughout the United Kingdom and overseas, including:
- Touring rallies and social gatherings
- Concours d’Elegance
- Historic motorsport events
- Technical seminars and workshops
- International meetings and celebrations
- Touring routes inspired by the exploits of the Bentley Boys
Although entirely independent of Bentley Motors, the Bentley Drivers Club enjoys a close relationship with the manufacturer, which readily acknowledges the Club’s vital role in preserving Bentley’s history and heritage. The BDC maintains extensive archives at its headquarters, the W. O. Bentley Memorial Building at Wroxton, Oxfordshire. These records make it possible to trace the complete history of individual chassis numbers from the day they left the factory, providing invaluable assistance for the restoration, authentication and ongoing documentation of historic Bentley motor cars.
One of the great attractions of the Bentley Drivers Club is that ownership of a Bentley is not a requirement for membership. The Club is open to anyone with a genuine enthusiasm for the marque who wishes to immerse themselves in its history, culture and heritage.
A LIVING HERITAGE
Ninety years after its foundation, the Bentley Drivers Club remains true to Keston Pelmore’s original vision. Today, it brings together more than 4,000 members across the world, not only throughout the United Kingdom but also through its affiliated regions in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries.
The Bentley Drivers Club continues to embody the enduring spirit of W. O. Bentley’s celebrated philosophy. It celebrates not only the motor cars themselves, but also the values upon which the marque built its reputation: engineering excellence, performance, craftsmanship and the sheer pleasure of driving.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the Bentley Drivers Club remains a vibrant community dedicated to preserving one of Britain’s greatest motoring traditions and passing on to future generations the unique pleasure of driving a Bentley.