**Bentley’s Design and Drives Event: Exploring the Minds of Car Creators**
*Bentley, known for its luxurious and high-performance vehicles, has a dedicated design team that works tirelessly to create cars that meet the expectations of their discerning customers. To gain insights into the minds of these car creators, a recent event called ‘Design and Drives’ allowed a glimpse into the personal vehicles owned by Bentley’s design staff.*
**Understanding the Customer’s Mindset**
To truly understand the desires and preferences of their customers, Bentley designers immerse themselves in the luxury lifestyle that their clientele leads. Many assume that designers must live parallel lives to their customers, frequenting high-end establishments and embodying opulence. But is this assumption accurate?
**The Make and Model: A Reflection of Personality**
The choice of a car reveals a lot about a person’s taste and preferences. The make and model they choose for themselves is a reflection of their personality and the qualities they value in a vehicle. To gain insights into Bentley’s design staff, a visit was made to their super-secret design studio viewing compound, where they showcased their personal vehicles.
**A Fascinating and Diverse Collection**
The collection of cars owned by Bentley’s design staff proved to be fascinating and diverse, showcasing the wide range of influences that inspire great car creators. From a stunning Jaguar E-Type to a Volkswagen Up GTI, each vehicle had its story and significance to its owner.
**Passion for Design and Engineering**
The attendees of the event had a deep passion for design and engineering. Robin Page, Bentley’s design director, expressed his love for his 1967 Jaguar E-Type, which he bought during his first stint at Bentley and later took to Gothenburg when he joined Volvo. Adrian Charnell and his son Alex, both working in Bentley’s design studio, showcased their love for British sports cars with an Aston Martin V8 Vantage and a Jaguar F-Type.
**Innovative and Unique Creations**
Some of the attendees showcased their own innovative and unique creations. Graham Browne, former chief designer at TVR, designed and built an electric trike through his company, Northern Light Motors. The trike offers zero-emissions transport and is now being developed to have more power and a higher price tag.
**The Value of Classic and Vintage Cars**
Not all the cars showcased were high-performance or luxury vehicles. Some attendees expressed their love for classic and vintage cars. Fred Dams, an 18-year Bentley employee, showcased his Austin Allegro, which he considers a member of his family and will never sell. Andy Plumb, the last designer at Reliant, uses a Reliant Robin as his daily driver, having done a nut and bolt rebuild on the car.
**A Celebration of Automotive Passion**
The Design and Drives event was a celebration of automotive passion and the creativity that drives Bentley’s design team. From Porsches to Caterhams, each vehicle represented the unique tastes and inspirations of its owner. It was an opportunity to see beyond the luxury vehicles produced by Bentley and gain a deeper understanding of the minds behind their creation.
**Conclusion**
Bentley’s Design and Drives event provided a unique glimpse into the minds of car creators and the diverse range of influences that shape their designs. From classic cars to innovative creations, each vehicle showcased the passion and dedication of Bentley’s design staff. By immersing themselves in the luxury lifestyle of their customers and drawing inspiration from unexpected sources, Bentley continues to create cars that exceed the expectations of their discerning clientele.
