Born to Bentley racing driver Woolf Barnato, Diana had racing and speed coursing through her veins. Flying was Diana Barnato’s true passion, along with driving and equestrianism.
Barnato managed to fly solo at the Brooklands Flying Club in 1938 after receiving just six hours of instruction. Later, she joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in 1941, where she delivered planes from the factory to Air Force squadrons stationed on the front line. By the time World War II had come to an end, she had delivered 260 Spitfires and other fighter planes to squadrons.
While she drove a Bentley 4¼ Litre Park Ward saloon on the ground, her favorite aircraft was the Spitfire, which inspired the Bentayga seen here. Finished in Smoke Green paintwork, this Bentayga S has a green/saddle interior – a subtle nod to the Spitfire Mk9. The Spitfire emblem takes pride of place on the D pillar, which is a classy touch.
In recent months, Bentley has delivered several special Bentaygas, including the first-ever two-tone EWB and a Mulliner Bentayga that was built to honor a war hero.
