Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 10:33 pm
Bringing together landmark vehicles and iconic camera technology for the first time, the pioneering Polaroid 20×24 Land Camera has been used to photograph famous Bentley models for a limited edition Opus book celebrating the British brand’s centenary.
While the ground-breaking camera has been used previously to capture Hollywood celebrities and world leaders, this is the first time that the world’s largest Polaroid camera has been used to photograph an automotive brand.
Having transformed instant photography by offering large-scale, one-of-a-kind originals with incredibly rich colours, tremendous detail, and exquisitely shallow focus, the landmark Polaroid Land Camera has been used by the world’s foremost photorealists and photographers.
The Bentley models captured during this one-off photoshoot include EXP 2 of 1919 (the oldest surviving Bentley); 1952’s R-Type Continental; the 8 Litre of 1930; and the Le Mans-winning Speed 8 from 2003. The final car to be shot was the recently launched, all-new Continental GT.
This exclusive imagery will be used to create a special chapter in the forthcoming Bentley Centenary Opus book. For more information including pre-orders and reservations please visit www.thisisopus.com/Bentley.
Polaroid 20×24 Land Camera – A Truly Iconic Camera
The creation of the Polaroid 20×24 Land Camera in 1976 was an iconic moment in modern photography.
At 1.5 metres tall and weighing 107 kgs, the 20×24 Land Camera is the world’s largest Polaroid camera, and one of only five built.
Due to the finite amount of 20×24 Polaroid film left in the world, after capturing the history of Bentley for the forthcoming Centenary Opus limited edition book, this iconic camera will be retired and take up a museum residence.
Bentley Opus – An Extraordinary Book
While Bentley’s glorious Le Mans victories of the 1920s, iconic models of the past and the extraordinary people who created them are celebrated in full, the Opus book is far more than simply a historical record – it is also a celebration of the future of Bentley.
The publishers were given unprecedented access to Bentley’s designers, engineers and executives who will be defining the future of automotive luxury, as the marque enters its second century.
The Bentley Centenary Opus will weigh a substantial 30 kilograms and feature pages of up to half a metre square to do justice to the never-seen-before imagery, with special gatefold pages measuring two metres across.
The Bentley Centenary Opus will be available in three special distinct versions: the ‘Mulliner’ and ‘Centenary’ limited editions will be presented in the largest print format, while the ‘Crewe’ edition will be offered in a more accessible size. All three editions will be delivered in early 2019.
Bentley – The First 100 Extraordinary Years
Born in 1888, founder W.O. Bentley grew up as an engineering enthusiast. It was no surprise to people who knew him that W.O. eventually turned his attention to building cars that would satisfy his own extraordinary expectations as a driver, an engineer and a gentleman.
Bentley Motors was established in 1919 and by September 1921 the first production model was proudly delivered to its owner, Noel van Raalte, at a cost of £1,050. The car carried Bentley’s hallmark radiator casing and Flying ‘B’ insignia.
The Bentley models of the 1920s became some of the most distinctive cars of the era. W.O. also became a fan of developing racing engines and his cars famously triumphed at Brooklands, Indianapolis and the Isle of Man. The legendary achievements of the Bentley Boys brought success at Le Mans on five occasions.
From modest beginnings, Bentley has moved from strength to strength in the relentless pursuit of both luxury and performance. Handbuilt in Crewe, England, Bentley remains the definitive British luxury car company.
A new film honouring the decades of innovation, achievement and craftsmanship entitled ‘Together we are Extraordinary: The Story of Bentley Motors’ can be viewed at www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years
