NSAM - Trip to Bentley

NSAM

North Staffs Advanced Motorists
'Skill with Responsibility'

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On Friday 23rd October 2009, a number of members of NSAM took a guided tour of the Bentley factory in Pyms Lane, Crewe. The visit lasted approximately two hours during which time we saw the lineage collection, the main production hall and the wood shop.

It was evident, even while we were waiting in reception that quality was to be the dominant feature of the day. It was possible to wait in leather seats whilst admiring the sculptures and paintings on the walls. Even the central heating pipes were chrome! Our guide arrived, Oliver and sure enough he was courting matching shirt, cuff links and tie with the Bentley logo – immaculate. As expected it transpired that Oliver was very knowledgeable: heritage, current models and future developments – he had all the answers.

In the lineage collection we saw the oldest Bentley in the world. Naturally it was taxed and completely roadworthy. We couldn’t resist a group photo around this wonderful motor car. Also in this area there were examples of a Merlin engine, an early Mulsanne and a Bentley Blower. Our chairman insisted on a photograph of himself alongside a 1959 S2.

The first thing we saw in the main production hall was a new model Mulsanne which is not yet available. The crash testing to be done will write off many of the first models before they are ready to go on sale. What a waste!

There are two assembly lines. One line moves along imperceptibly slowly such that each Continental model spends 2½ days on the line. It takes roughly 5 weeks to prepare a car for the customer. We saw a range of interesting colours here. Each car is made according to individual requirements. On the other line were the last of the Arnage series and the first of the Mulsanne. No moving production line here. Each car is pushed from one station to the next only when the operatives have reached the high levels of quality and finish required.

In the wood shop we saw how the fascias and door trims were prepared. A variety of hard wood veneers (weight restrictions mean that solid wood is no longer used) are available. Walnut veneers come free with the car, others are optional. The attention to detail in the wood shop, as it is throughout the factory is amazing. Fascia panels feature mirror images about a centre line. Similarly with opposite door trims, but these are also symmetrical – unbelievable!