Restored 1939 Bentley Corniche, originally lost during WWII, makes a comeback at Monterey Car Week, as depicted in photos.
The 1939 Bentley Mark V Corniche Makes Its Debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The 1939 Bentley Mark V Corniche, a significant link between Bentley's pre-war designs and the post-war Continental line, is making its first appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This iconic car, which has influenced some of Bentley's most renowned designs, is more than just a showcase; it is a tribute to a model that set new standards in speed, handling, and efficiency.
The Mark V Corniche was an experimental car introduced by Bentley to study streamlined body shapes and aerodynamics for future models. Designed by Georges Paulin and built by French coachbuilder Carrosserie Vanvooren, the car boasted a lightweight chassis, a tuned Mark V engine, and an overdrive gearbox. Its pillarless body design and smooth curves were cutting-edge at the time.
Sadly, the original Corniche was destroyed during World War II. In August 1939, the car was damaged in an accident, and the body was destroyed during a bombing raid on Dieppe. However, the chassis was sent back to the UK, where it remained for decades.
The restoration of the Corniche began in 2001 by automotive historian Ken Lea using original parts. Progress was slow due to funding issues until 2018 when Bentley Motors' Mulliner division took over. Mulliner's team, specializing in bespoke coachbuilding, led the project, marking their first historic restoration. They used original mechanical components where possible and built an exact replica of the 1939 body from original designs. The restoration was completed around Bentley’s centenary in 2019.
The rebuilt Corniche made its American debut at Monterey Car Week 2025, participating in events like the Tour d'Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marks the first time the 1939 Mark V Corniche has ever left the UK or France, showcasing Bentley’s heritage and engineering excellence.
In conclusion, the 1939 Bentley Mark V Corniche is a testament to Bentley's commitment to innovation and design. Its restoration is a significant achievement, preserving a crucial part of Bentley's history and paying tribute to a model that paved the way for some of the company's most iconic designs.
Key Details
- Year & Model: 1939 Bentley Mark V Corniche
- Purpose: Aerodynamics and high-performance studies
- Bodywork: Designed by Georges Paulin, built by Carrosserie Vanvooren
- Key Features: Lightweight chassis, tuned engine, overdrive gearbox, pillarless and streamlined body
- Fate during WWII: Damaged in accident (Aug 1939), body destroyed in bombing on Dieppe
- Restoration Start: 2001 by Ken Lea, slow progress
- Restoration Takeover: 2018 by Bentley Mulliner division
- Restoration Approach: Used original parts, recreated body from original plans
- Completion: 2019 (Bentley 100th anniversary), fully commissioned
- Recent Exposure: Monterey Car Week 2025, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The 1939 Bentley Mark V Corniche, initially designed for aerodynamics and high-performance studies, demonstrated Bentley's innovative approach in science and lifestyle, employing groundbreaking features such as a lightweight chassis and streamlined body. Today, its restoration, a result of Bentley Motors' Mulliner division's meticulous work, has revived the once lost legacy, bridging the gap between past and present innovations in the realm of sports and automotive engineering.
