Bentley car honours lives lost in bombing of Crewe site in December 1940

A Bentley Motors tribute to the Armed Forces, a one-of-a-kind Bentayga EWB Azure, has been taking part in Remembrance 2025.

The 2025 design, developed by Bentley’s design team in collaboration with the colleague-led BeReady network is focused on the Battle of Britain and is a tribute to the 17 colleagues who tragically lost their lives whilst building the Merlin Aero Engine when the bomb dropped over Crewe 85 years ago and honours all those who have served.

The final design is a Satin Artica White Bentayga EWB which features bold artistic artwork and metallic gold details. The side of the car features the silhouette of an aircraft, sat just behind the wing vent. From this aircraft falls a number of poppies which grow in size as they descend down the car, depicting the poppies falling from the plane.

Initials, in gold metallic, are placed on pillars to commemorate each of the 17 people lost. Finally, the number 85 features on the grille and bespoke poppy embroidery carry on the anniversary homage inside the car.

Robin Page, Director of Design at Bentley Motors, shared his thoughts on the Remembrance Car: “This annual project is one of the most meaningful for our team, a symbol of our collective memory and the sacrifices made by countless individuals. Every detail of the Bentayga – from the cascading poppies to the gold initials honours those who served and ensures their legacy continues to inspire through the design.”

Chris Cole, Product Line Director, added: “Bentley continues to show its respect and commitment to the armed forces around the world, and our colleagues at Crewe through our Be Ready network. We were proud to be awarded the silver status for the UK’s Armed forces Covenant this year, and this year’s Remembrance paid particular focus to the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the sad loss of 17 Rolls Royce and Bentley colleagues following a bombing of the Crewe site in December 1940.”

Over the weekend, the car featured at the Race of Remembrance in Anglesey, organised by Mission Motorsport.

The car returns to Bentley’s Crewe headquarters on the 11th of November, where Bentley colleagues will gather in reflection.

Finally, on the 18th of November, the car will be displayed at the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Awards, embodying Bentley’s ongoing commitment to honouring and supporting the Armed Forces.