1939 Bentley Corniche – Recreating a Lost Masterpiece
The 1939 Bentley Corniche is one of the most significant designs in Bentley's history. Originally conceived as an advanced, streamlined sporting saloon, the original car was lost before it could enter production.
Decades later, an ambitious project was undertaken to recreate this remarkable motor car. Initially commissioned by the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust and subsequently taken over by Bentley Motors, the project brought together specialist craftsmen to reproduce the unique Corniche.
Ashley & James Coachbuilding, based in Lymington, Hampshire, played a major role in the recreation, hand-building the body from scratch using traditional coachbuilding techniques.
Traditional Coachbuilding – Built from Scratch
The recreation of the Bentley Corniche required traditional coachbuilding skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Ashley & James constructed the body from scratch, recreating the flowing lines of the original design. The central bonnet section was made in steel, while the front wings were hand-formed in aluminium. 
The project required careful shaping, fitting and alignment of individual panels to reproduce the Corniche's sweeping wings, elegant roofline and distinctive rear bodywork.
Using traditional techniques, our craftsmen helped bring back a remarkable piece of British motoring history.
Recognition in Magneto Magazine
The recreation of the 1939 Bentley Corniche attracted attention from the international classic-car press. Magneto Magazine highlighted the contribution made by Ashley & James Coachbuilding.
“I cannot over emphasise the contributions Ashley & James made to this project.”
Ken Lea, quoted in Magneto Magazine.
Read the full Magneto Magazine article – Bentley's Missing Link
The Completed Bentley Corniche
The finished Corniche demonstrates the remarkable craftsmanship involved in recreating an important lost design. Ashley & James is proud to have contributed to its return.
Established in 2004, Ashley & James Coachbuilding continues to undertake specialist aluminium coachwork, historic body restoration and bespoke coachbuilding commissions for clients in the UK and overseas.
