CarBook Cover Story: The Rebirth of the 1939 Bentley Mk V Corniche
Few cars carry the weight of history, tragedy, and rebirth quite like the 1939 Bentley Mk V Corniche. Once thought lost forever, this extraordinary vehicle has risen from the ashes of war to reclaim its rightful place as one of Bentley’s most treasured icons.
The Corniche’s original journey was cut brutally short. Built in 1939 as a unique prototype, it embodied Bentley’s ambition to fuse pre-war luxury with aerodynamic innovation. But less than a year into its life, the outbreak of WWII struck. During an air raid in France, the Corniche was destroyed, leaving behind only memories and fragments of what could have been.
For decades, the car’s story was relegated to Bentley folklore—an unfinished chapter in the marque’s storied past. Yet passion often finds a way. Over a span of 20 years, a dedicated group of enthusiasts and engineers worked tirelessly to reconstruct the Corniche. Using original components wherever possible and historical blueprints for guidance, they meticulously brought the lost legend back to life.
In 2019, the artisans of Bentley Mulliner, the brand’s bespoke division, completed the resurrection. Their craftsmanship preserved every curve and detail of the original design while blending in the highest standards of modern restoration. What emerged was not merely a replica, but the rebirth of a car with a soul—a one-off masterpiece that Bentley proudly placed into its Heritage Collection.
In August 2025, the Corniche made history once again. For the first time, it ventured outside the UK and France, gracing the famed Tour d’Elegance along California’s scenic coastline before appearing at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. There, it achieved another milestone: becoming the first fully judged manufacturer-entered car in the event’s history.
More than just an automobile, the Bentley Corniche is a rolling testament to resilience. It represents the survival of vision against adversity, the dedication of craftsmen across generations, and the eternal allure of Bentley’s heritage. To see it glide along sunlit roads today is to witness history, reborn in chrome and burgundy steel, whispering stories of the past while inspiring a future built on timeless elegance.
