Long regarded as a symbol of automotive excellence around the world, Bentley's iconic 'Flying B' mascot is to adorn the all new Flying Spur, the first time it has featured on a modern edition of the British luxury marque's four-door Grand Tourer.

Newly-designed for the next century, the electronically-deployed mascot rises from beneath a modern Bentley badge, underlining the peerless quality of the third generation of the Flying Spur.            

The Flying B was first employed almost 90 years ago on a 1930 model 8 Litre. The mascot wasn't a standard fit in those days but available to customers as an option, for the princely sum of five guineas.

The original mascot complemented the flat, winged B badge commissioned by company founder W.O. Bentley himself when Bentley Motors was launched in 1919, exactly 100 years ago.

In Bentley's Centenary year, the mascot has been restyled for the next century and is an evolution of previous designs. On the new Flying Spur, it is electronically-controlled and illuminated, and linked to the welcome lighting sequence and keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car.

The flat winged badge has appeared in several colours over the last 100 years, originally red, then green, blue and black. Today, the flat winged B remains a renowned hallmark of excellence.