Bentel [2] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Bentel was an American automotive brand active from 1916 to 1919, founded by George R. Bentel in Los Angeles, California. Initially, Bentel operated as a distributor for Mercer automobiles, where he began to customize vehicles for his clientele. His modifications included the removal of running boards and the addition of disc wheels, which were available in brass or nickel finishes, allowing them to be fitted over standard wire or wood wheels.

The onset of World War I significantly impacted the automotive industry, leading to a scarcity of new cars. In response, Bentel adapted by customizing older vehicles, which he sold for prices reaching as high as $10,000. Among the chassis he worked on were those from manufacturers such as Jordan and Simplex. However, the post-war period saw a resurgence in the availability of new cars, which diminished the demand for Bentel's customized creations, ultimately leading to the brand's decline.