This has always been a period in the history of British luxury I've never really understood, to be honest. Rolls-Royce picked up Bentley in secret after the depression (Prompting W.O. Bentley to leave the firm for Lagonda), then proceeded to systematically run the marque into the ground until the early '90s. I think it's rather amazing how this became Rolls' budget brand, this particular one is simply a Corniche with a different grille and slightly lower price tag. In a way, it's rather like the relationship between the Mercury Grand Marquis and the Ford Crown Victoria. But it isn't, is it - it's still a Bentley. Just the next day I went to the Greenwich Concours and saw a true W.O. 4.5 Litre from 1929. It was absolutely incredible. I truly think that a product like today's Continental GT Supersports and the new Brooklands are terrific cars that push the brand in the proper direction - powerful, exquisite luxury. Bentleys are drivers cars, whereas Rolls Royce are for chauffeurs. This malaise era bus is charming, but should really be a warning about how great brands can easily have their heart and soul co-opted. Perhaps the same magic performed on Bentley by Volkswagen will be matched or bettered by Spyker on Saab.
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