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. Bently won 5 times at the 24 hours of Le Mans (1924 and 1927-1930).