Bentley unveils 2026 Remembrance cars: A symbol of Remembrance and belonging [Photo Gallery]

Bentley Motors has proudly unveiled its latest tribute to the Armed Forces: two specially commissioned cars to mark Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom, a Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Artenara and Supersports.

The vehicles, known affectionately by Bentley colleagues as ‘our Poppy Cars’, have become a powerful symbol of remembrance across the organisation. The cars have played a central role in Bentley’s commemorative activities, including the onsite Remembrance service in Crewe before participating in Mission Motorsport’s Race of Remembrance at the  Anglesey circuit, before returning to Crewe where colleagues gathered.   

Created by Bentley’s design team in collaboration with the colleague-led BeReady network, the 2026 Remembrance cars take inspiration from John McCrae’s iconic poem In Flanders Fields. More than a reflection on loss, the poem serves as a message from the fallen to the living, reminding future generations of the sacrifices made in defence of freedom and the responsibility to carry their legacy forward.         

The bespoke exterior artwork explores peace amidst destruction, reflection from the fallen, and a challenge to the living. Using poppies and symbolic imagery, the designs convey both the tragedy of loss and the resilience of hope, highlighting the humanity of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The concluding element reflects the poem’s powerful call to the living: to honour their memory, protect the freedoms they defended, and continue their legacy for future generations.        

Robin Page, Director of Design at Bentley Motors, shared his thoughts on the Remembrance cars:       
“Design is often judged by what it looks like, but its greatest value lies in how it makes us feel. These cars were created to inspire reflection, serving as a visible reminder that remembrance is not confined to a single day, but is a legacy that must be carried forward and shared by each generation.”

The design traces a journey from resilience and hope to remembrance and responsibility. Poppies blooming across a battlefield and larks soaring overhead symbolise life enduring through adversity, while the central artwork honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice, remembering them not as distant heroes but as ordinary people who loved and were loved. It concludes with a powerful call for future generations to remember the fallen, uphold the values they defended, and carry their legacy forward.

Chris Cole, Bentley’s Product Line Director, commented:
“The Remembrance vehicles demonstrate how craftsmanship can be used to tell stories that matter. Every detail has been thoughtfully created to honour those who served, creating a lasting symbol of remembrance, respect and appreciation. Unveiled in the same year that Bentley was awarded Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) status, the highest recognition available to employers supporting the Armed Forces community, the vehicles underscore the company’s enduring commitment to veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families.”            

In addition to this, and their own personal tribute, colleagues from Bentley’s manufacturing team crocheted handmade poppies to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. 

This latest commemorative project is particularly meaningful to Bentley’s BeReady network, one of five Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) networks, which provide a supportive space for veterans and acting reservists and their families.     

It is reflective of a passion for the network’s members, who value the design deeply to reflect on bravery and sacrifice, along with being an annual tribute to the 17 colleagues who tragically lost their lives whilst building the Merlin Aero Engine when a bomb dropped over Crewe 86 years ago.