Bentley Motors officially announced Wolfgang Dürheimer (52) as the new Chairman and Chief Executive at the Detroit Motor Show. Herr Dürheimer replaces Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen. The new Chairman was presented with the keys to one of the company’s most revered cars – W.O. Bentley’s 1930 8-litre saloon which was his official company car, and a hand-crafted model of it.

Wolfgang Dürheimer who will join  the famous Crewe manufacturer on 1st February, commented:

“I have already had the pleasure of visiting Crewe and saw just why the company retains such a pride in its origins. The commitment to quality and exceptional levels of bespoke craftsmanship, beautifully exemplified by the new Mulsanne, is remarkable and a tribute to the leadership of Dr. Paefgen.”

The 8-litre, now owned by Bentley Motors and still driven to this day, represented the pinnacle of W.O. Bentley’s engineering career. Capable of reaching more than 100 mph, the 8-litre demonstrated W.O. Bentley’s ambition and ability to build a grand luxury car capable of surpassing every other leading manufacturer of the day. This ability to combine stirring  performance with hand-crafted luxury has been at the heart of the Bentley experience ever since.