Based in Ilminster, Somerset, Bensport Ltd have collectively over 100 years experience working with Derby and Crewe built Rolls-Royce & Bentley motor cars. Using this wealth of knowledge and expertise they have dedicated themselves to producing La Sarthe. A coach built car of their own design, built using the best of traditional and modern techniques. Sitting on a lovingly restored, original R-Type or MkVI chassis, this is the Grand Tourer we believe encapsulates the spirit of Bentley in the style of the 1950s.
n 1946, Rolls-Royce had replaced the 4 1/4 Derby Bentley with the new Mk6. With its independent front suspension and massively increased chassis stiffness, this car really did make the Derby Bentley feel very old. What if the factory had entered a car for Le Mans in the 1950s? They would have used the Mk6 or the later R-Type chassis. What would it have looked like, and could it have won? This was our inspiration for designing La Sarthe. The car we believe could have entered Le Mans in the 1950s and won. Inspired by racing and built with the care and attention the modern Bentley marque demands.
In order to recreate this halcyon era of exclusive motoring, Bensport have produced the La Sarthe, a beautiful, lightweight 2-door coupé body fitted to a fully rebuilt Bentley R-Type chassis from the mid 1950s. They plan to start a limited production run of the La Sarthe in 2014. The name is taken from the home of the 24 hours of Le Mans race.