Last year was Bentley’s second most profitable year yet.

Though, speak to boss Adrian Hallmark – who has just announced he will be taking over as boss of Aston Martin – and you get the sense that the pride comes not from what the final profit figure was, but from knowing how bad it could have been.

The previous six years on Hallmark’s watch have been fruitful in setting the company up for success even in challenging market conditions. Last year was indeed challenging for Bentley and all other luxury car makers.