Description

The Bentley Mark V Corniche was a unique and forward-looking prototype developed in 1939 as a streamlined, high-performance version of the standard Mark V. Commissioned to explore advanced aerodynamics and styling, the Corniche stood apart from Bentley’s traditional designs with a radically modern body that hinted at post-war trends.

The Corniche featured a lightweight, aerodynamic coupe body built by French coachbuilder Carrosserie Vanvooren of Paris. It had a sleek, flowing silhouette with a low roofline, curved fenders, faired-in headlamps, and an integrated trunk—elements far ahead of their time. The car’s lines were inspired by contemporary European design, with an emphasis on reducing drag and improving stability at speed.

Under the skin, the Corniche retained the Mark V’s mechanically advanced chassis, including independent front suspension, a strengthened frame, and Bentley’s smooth 4¼ litre inline-six engine. It was designed to deliver higher performance and improved road handling, aligning with its sporting intentions.

Sadly, the only original Corniche ever built was destroyed during a bombing raid in Dieppe, France, in 1939 while awaiting shipment to England. However, its significance endured, as the car influenced Bentley’s future styling and engineering philosophy. In 2001, a replica was faithfully reconstructed using original plans and components, honoring the lost masterpiece and preserving its place in Bentley history. The Mark V Corniche remains a fascinating “what might have been” and a rare glimpse into a more modern Bentley that could have arrived years earlier.