The Appeal of Bentley: Crafting Your Personal Masterpiece

Bentley is cherished by those who value heritage. Indeed, many people still drive a wide array of models, both old and new. Some models, like the racing cars from the 1920s, are traded at astronomical prices.

Speaking of affection, the renowned British fashion designer Paul Smith is well-known as an owner of a vintage Bentley. He used to drive a 1950s "Continental R" model in London. This model was characterized by its rounded, compact cabin and the elegant sweep of its rear fenders. Smith's assessment: "It's the most beautiful car."



However, Bentley's allure isn't limited to its older models. Since Bentley Motors entered its new era in 1998, its models have combined beauty, performance, and luxury. These include the "Continental" series of coupes and convertibles, the "Flying Spur" sedan offering driving pleasure, the "Mulsanne" as a luxurious limousine, and the "Bentayga" SUV, soon to be launched in Japan in 2016. In the future, all these models may become classics.

Page02.My Flying B: Making Bentley More Accessible

My Flying B: Making Bentley More Accessible

Bentley possesses an enduring appeal. In other words, its value is said to depreciate little. However, owners have moods. As symbolized by bespoke customization, these moods are reflected in the body color and interior. One's position in life and the surrounding atmosphere become significant factors.

Just as one would tire of wearing the same color suit, tie pattern, and shoe style every day, people naturally want to change their cars at appropriate intervals. The car's marketability may also improve through performance upgrades or styling changes.

"My Flying B is convenient when you want to replace your car to match your lifestyle."

The winged "B" emblem, Bentley's symbol, is called "Flying B." Named after it, "My Flying B" is a financing program. Keitaro Saito, who handles sales at Bentley Tokyo, states, "It's a program that should appeal to those who want to continue driving a Bentley smartly."




Saito, who interacts with customers daily as a salesperson in the prime location of Aoyama Itchome, exemplifies refined taste in his attire and footwear. The showroom, with its soft lighting and deep-pile carpets, creates a unique atmosphere that he skillfully enhances.

According to Saito, Bentley customers exhibit sophisticated taste across a wide range of aspects, including their attire, possessions, homes, and hobbies. What sets them apart from typical Japanese consumers is their tendency to reflect their personal preferences and lifestyle in their choices, rather than conforming to trends.

"We can say that many Bentley owners have a strong sense of individuality in their lifestyles. For such individuals, My Flying B, by lowering the hurdle for car replacement, is the ideal way to enjoy their Bentley more comfortably."

A notable feature of "My Flying B" is the availability of low-interest loans. The annual interest rate is set at 1.99% for the Flying Spur and 2.99% for the Continental series and Mulsanne (applicable to contracts and registrations concluded by March 31, 2016). The second notable point is the ability to structure the loan with a residual value. This program allows you to set a predetermined residual value rate (the estimated future value of the car) and finance the remaining amount over 3 to 5 years.



"For example, with the V8 series of the Continental and Flying Spur, after three years of ownership, the residual value is set at 50% of the new car price. Since the residual value loan is an open-end type, the actual appraised value at the end of the term becomes the settlement amount. However, it rarely deviates significantly from the set residual value of 50%, so we hope our customers can continue to enjoy the world of Bentley without the anxieties associated with mass-produced cars. For those new to Bentley, we highly recommend visiting our showroom. You'll experience a level of luxury beyond your imagination, with numerous material samples and opportunities for test drives. We particularly recommend this British craftsmanship to owners of German cars."

A tax accountant who has reviewed the finances of numerous companies also endorses "My Flying B" as a wise choice.

Page03.A Smart Purchase Recommended by a Financial Expert

A Smart Purchase Recommended by a Financial Expert

There are various ways to purchase a Bentley. One is through the financing program "My Flying B." As it is a residual value setting loan, the significant advantage is that monthly payments are kept low. Hiroaki Masuda, representative of Globis Accounting Office in Kojimachi, Tokyo, and a tax accountant, believes this is a smart way for business owners to purchase a car.

"In today's uncertain economic outlook, people's spending habits are changing. Many business owners, even with a budget, prefer not to spend it all at once, opting instead to save it for unforeseen circumstances."



Even if a Bentley is an attractive purchase, some may hesitate. In such cases, Bentley's financing program is invaluable, according to Mr. Masuda.

"You might consider purchasing a car when arranging a loan from a bank, but it's wiser to keep the loan amount down. The interest rates for My Flying B are also considerably low, making it clearly a better deal."

Masuda, a handsome tax accountant who once aspired to be an actor, possesses a deep understanding of automobiles. He is highly trusted by his Bentley-owning clients because he understands the brand's social value. He has the skill to persuade clients that owning a Bentley is a natural fit for their lives.



For those who still find new cars a hurdle, Bentley "Pre-Owned," the certified pre-owned vehicles handled by Cornes Motors Co., Ltd. (which has been importing and selling Bentleys since 1964), are highly popular. They focus on models with low mileage and minimal interior and exterior wear on officially imported cars, allowing buyers to fully enjoy the benefits of pre-owned vehicles, such as lower initial costs including acquisition taxes.

Among Bentley models, those equipped with V8 engines are particularly popular. They sell "like hotcakes," as the saying goes, even if not part of the Flying B program. Bentley is a brand whose popularity remains strong, regardless of whether the models are new or old.

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• Feature: How to Buy the World's Finest Driver's Car | BENTLEY