Walter Owen Bentley (September 16, 1888 - August 3, 1971) was the founder of Bentley motors, however initially started life as a railway engineer. He was a keen motor cyclist and importer of French cars before starting his own company. The company became famous for building vehicles that were well built simple, reliable and fast. Bentley won 5 times at the 24 hours of Le Mans (1924 and 1927-1930). September 16 is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years). ... 1888 is a leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar). ... August 3 is the 215th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (216th in leap years), with 150 days remaining. ... 1971 is a common year starting on Friday (click for link to calendar). ... Bentleys winged B badge and hood ornament 1929 Blower Bentley from the Ralph Lauren collection Bentley SI Continental Fastback Coupé. Mulliner Bodyworks. ... 1952 Le Mans race, depicted on cover of Auto Sport Review magazine 24 hours of Le Mans (24 heures du Mans) is the most famous sports car endurance race held at Circuit de la Sarthe near Le Mans, France, in the French Sarthe département. ...