Bentley EXP Speed 8: Bentley’s Return to Le Mans After 71 Years

The prototype that marked the British marque’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be on display at the Icons of Speed thematic exhibition at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2026.

In 2001, 71 years after its last victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bentley returned to the legendary French endurance race with the EXP Speed 8. Coming from the Nationales Automuseum – The Loh Collection, the car will be one of the highlights of Icons of Speed, the thematic exhibition at Auto e Moto d’Epoca dedicated to the iconic cars of endurance racing.

With the EXP Speed 8, Bentley secured third place overall and victory in the LM GTP class. Designed by British engineer and racing-car developer Peter Elleray, the car marked a new beginning for the marque in endurance racing. Two years earlier, Elleray had also designed the Audi R8C, which is likewise part of the Nationales Automuseum collection.

That result paved the way for Bentley’s return to the top of the sport. In 2003, the British marque claimed overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, proving that, after seven decades away from the French circuit, Bentley had not forgotten how to win at Le Mans.

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