Wanderlust

Tag: Mulliner

  • Pretty in Pink: Bentley Bentayga Now Available in 111+ Exterior Colours 

    Pretty in Pink: Bentley Bentayga Now Available in 111+ Exterior Colours 

    • Mulliner co-creates vibrant specification for customer, with a Bentayga EWB Azure in bespoke Candy Pink
    • A palette of 111 exterior paint colours are now available, as well as the possibility to go beyond create a unique shade
    • Blackline Specification, privacy glass and 22” painted wheels, contrast eloquently with eye-catching Candy Pink
    • Interior cabin includes Cherry Blossom leather and thread, the latest wellness seating features and technology from Bang & Olufsen

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK – When the 46 billion different colour and trim combinations available through Bentley’s mainstream palette don’t meet a customer’s vision for their Bentley, Mulliner – Bentley’s bespoke studio – is on-hand to create something totally unique and a one-off. After owning a number of Bentleys, an American customer wanted their new car in a precise shade of her favourite colour: pink.  Mulliner was happy to fulfil her dream supporting the personal commissioning of a bold and vibrant Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) painted in the eye-catching shade of Candy Pink.

    The exterior is teamed with an interior accented with Cherry Blossom hide and matching thread that even extends to the embroidered Bentley Wings on the seats.  And naturally the customer specified a Mulliner Bottle Cooler with frosted glass soft close door, installed alongside the rear Airline seat for those moments when she chooses to be driven.

    The Bentayga is an example of the growing trend among Bentley customers for personal commissions with 70% specifying at least one Mulliner feature in their car, and a clear result of the free choice that a Mulliner commission provides.

    Bespoke personalisation

    Going beyond the tens of billions of specifications possible from the Bentley options list, Bentley customers are encouraged to participate in the design of unique vehicles, as part of a process that Mulliner terms ‘Co-Creation’. Vibrant colour schemes, bespoke materials and customised features are welcomed as a challenge in the Mulliner workshops by their team of designers and skilled artisans.

    With a colour palette of 111 exterior paints including solids, metallics, pearlescent and satins, there is already a significant choice. Pinks are an exception, but with the expertise of the Mulliner team, the customer’s vision  was brought to life using Candy Pink and Blackline Specification provides a contemporary contrast to the exterior of the car. Door handles, exhaust tailpipes, brightware, lamp bezels, matrix and lower grilles, roof rails, and wing vents are all finished in gloss black, with tinted rear privacy glass completing the dramatic exterior look.

    The interior is a showcase of craftsmanship, using Cherry Blossom hide and thread to complement the car’s exterior. Cherry Blossom leather was applied to the seats, centre console, doors, gear lever and steering wheel. A Bentayga EWB takes approximately 132 hours to manufacture, of which 24 hours are required to paint the body-in-white, and a further 18 hours to produce the trim panels and wood set for the beautiful cabin.

    A bespoke interior colour split allowed for the Cherry Blossom thread to be applied to all aspects of the cabin, including the embroidered Bentley Wings. Cherry Blossom leather can even been seen edging the 100 per cent pure wool deep-pile floor mats. A specially-selected wool variety is used due to its cleanliness and purity in colour which is tested to ensure quality standards are met before use.

    When it comes to craftsmanship, new colleagues gain knowledge and skills from Bentley’s Master Trainers in order to reach the upmost levels of ability, and to learn the vast array of techniques required to craft Bentley’s interiors to the highest of standards.

    Indulgent rear cabin

    The Bentayga EWB offers the ultimate in rear passenger indulgence. With a larger cabin space than any other luxury competitor, it was natural for this personally commissioned Bentayga EWB Azure, to include the most luxurious features.

    Firstly, the Bentley Airline Seat Specification – the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology. The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period improving comfort and minimising fatigue throughout a journey.

    Housed between the rear seats, the Mulliner Bottle Cooler provides a fully integrated drinks cooler for a 750 ml bottle, with frosted glass soft close door, and two bespoke handcrafted Cumbria Crystal flutes.

    Enhancing the rear cabin area further, is the inclusion of rear seat entertainment and ‘Bang & Olufsen for Bentley’. The iconic design of the B&O speaker finished in aluminium with holes drilled in variable sizes and angles and shaped to a uniquely-designed Fibonacci hole pattern. The angled holes are placed as tightly as possible to achieve the best acoustic transparency and to build a contrast to the glass-pearl blasted surface.

    Today, Mulliner operates as Bentley’s bespoke division, delivering everything from personal commissions to coachbuilt cars. It offers an exclusive, face-to-face service for clients who demand the rarest and most exquisite vehicles, often co-designing features and finishes to suit the unique tastes of the individual.

    The customer is said to be delighted with her purchase.  Rich Pepe from Bentley Palmyra, the supplying retailer, commented: “It was great collaborating with Mulliner and I look forward to commissioning the next truly bespoke Bentley.”

  • Largest Fleet of Bespoke Bentley Flying Spurs Commissioned by World Class Resort

    Largest Fleet of Bespoke Bentley Flying Spurs Commissioned by World Class Resort

    • Nine bespoke Flying Spurs take pride of place as The Galaxy Macau’s chauffeur-driven house cars
    • Personalised, luxury sedans prepared by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division
    • Striking visual signature in Pale Brodgar exterior paint with bespoke craftsmanship
    • Hand-crafted interiors include unique Mulliner quilt patterns, special embroidery and hotel specific details, distinguishing the fleet of nine vehicles
    • This latest commission reflects the growing appeal for Bentley within the luxury hospitality industry for chauffeur-driven travel

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors proudly announces its latest global collaboration with a leading luxury hotel, underscoring the growing demand for luxury, chauffeur-driven experiences. The Galaxy Hotel in Macau, China – one of the world’s largest Forbes double five-star properties – has taken delivery of the largest fleet of bespoke Flying Spur Mulliner sedans to date with an official handover ceremony at the hotel on 29 April. The nine handcrafted four-door Bentleys extend the resort’s legacy of superlative transport and bespoke luxury experiences, providing guests with a seamless blend of performance, elegance, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

    Mulliner – Bentley Motors’ bespoke division – continues to set the standard in handcrafted automotive luxury. The Flying Spur Mulliner offers a striking visual distinction, combining bespoke craftsmanship with the Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain as standard. The Galaxy Hotel collaborated with the team at Mulliner to meticulously design the luxury sedans, offering a sense of timeless elegance crafted at the renowned Dream Factory in Crewe.

    The Pinnacle in Automotive Craftsmanship
    The new Flying Spur Mulliner is built around Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, endowing it with a breadth of capabilities. Capable of serene, silent progress in pure EV mode, the four-door sedan can travel for up to 47 miles (76 km), ideal for Zero Emission Zones or city travel, and with CO2 emissions 90 per cent lower than the previous generation Flying Spur Speed. The full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent for a quiet and refined driving experience.    

    The Mulliner versions define the pinnacle of the Bentley Flying Spur. On the exterior, the Pale Brodgar Mulliner paintwork is detailed with the signature emblem of The Galaxy Hotel, stenciled and hand-painted on the two front doors of each sedan. Custom Galaxy Hotel puddle lamps have also been commissioned to welcome guests as they step inside the cabin.

    An Elegant Interior with Attention to Detail
    In the interior, all four seats come specified with Wellness Seating as standard. This includes Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust, which measures and maintains the perfect body temperature via zoned heating and ventilation, and soothingly and seamlessly varies the pressure on the occupants’ muscles throughout their journey to ensure fatigue is minimised. The attention to detail is highlighted further with hand stitched logos of The Galaxy Hotel to the seats. The rear passenger doors open to reveal a further hand stitched emblem detail that tucks away neatly once the Soft-Close Doors shut effortlessly.

    Luxury Journeys
    Following the successful collaboration with The Peninsula London which saw four Bentayga hybrids become part of their in-house chauffeur fleet. Building on this relationship, The Peninsula Hong Kong commissioned a further eight Bentayga EWB Azures, now part of its house car offering. The Galaxy Macau Hotel, now securing the largest fleet of Flying Spurs in one location, reflects the growing appeal of Bentley among luxury hotels, who increasingly view the marque as the ultimate expression of refined, chauffeur-driven travel.

    About Bentley
    From W.O. Bentley, who founded Bentley Motors in 1919, to the current team of over 4,000 dedicated colleagues, the company’s extraordinary cars have always been designed and built by exceptional people using only the finest of materials. From modest beginnings, Bentley has moved from strength to strength – in a relentless pursuit of both luxury and performance. W.O.’s vision continues to guide Bentley’s beliefs, actions and ambitions. Located in Crewe, England and owned by the Volkswagen Group since 1998, Bentley Motors remains the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the world’s most desirable high performance grand tourers. Bentley’s colleagues design, engineer and handcraft five bespoke models: Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations and engineering expertise is unique to Bentley. The luxury marque is creating a future driven by new technologies, materials, fuels and skills, in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the highest levels of luxury mobility are achieved with sustainable methods. The company’s Beyond100+ strategy promises to revolutionise the company to be exclusively electric from 2035.

  • Heritage Leather Brings Historic Look and Feel to the Modern Bentley

    Heritage Leather Brings Historic Look and Feel to the Modern Bentley

    • Latest Continental GT showcases Heritage Leather upholstery matching Factory Works Speed Six Continuation
    • Celebrating 106 years of Bentley leather upholstery, from 3 Litre to the latest Continental GT 
    • Heritage Leather can be specified through Mulliner’s personal commissioning
    • Beautiful: quilting, fluting, perforations, embroidery and blind embossing showcase the skills of Bentley craft team 
    • Sustainable: a natural product, created using low environmental impact processes
    • Enduring: many pre-war Bentleys still wear their original, patinated leather upholstery with pride

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Heritage Leather, first developed by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personal commissioning division, for the Continuation reincarnations of the Blower and Speed Six, can now be specified on Bentley’s latest models.  Supplied by Bridge of Weir, the Heritage Leather gives the interior of a modern Bentley the look and feel of one from the 1930s with a two-tone finish and haircell grain.  It is offered currently in two colours traditional for the period and identified in original records of historic Bentleys: Ox Blood Red,  and Parsons Napier Green.

    To showcase this new tailoring option, Bentley commissioned for itself an example of the latest fourth generation Bentley Continental GT Mulliner to mirror the Factory Works Speed Six Continuation Series. Though separated by 95 years of evolution, if only two years of development, both cars are finished in the same Bedford Grey exterior paint, and  feature Heritage Leather upholstery in Ox Blood red. 

    During the development and testing of the Blower Continuation Series, the hide provided the best tactility and authentic manufacturing techniques for the development of Mulliner’s continuation series, delivering the same durability rating as found in today’s modern Bentley. 

    A select few colours, traditional for the period of the 1920’s and 1930’s were identified in original records of specifications (such as Vanden Plas) studied at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. These include, Ox Blood Red and Parsons Napier Green. 

    With many Cricklewood-era and pre-war Bentleys still sporting their original upholstery, the enduring qualities of leather make it a truly sustainable natural material. A Bentley’s upholstery doesn’t wear out; it wears in. 

    Staying faithful to the upholstery techniques of the 1920s and 1930s, the seats in the Factory Works Speed Six are fluted, while the door inners feature a simple embossed B emblem. In contrast, the Continental GT’s interior showcases the full range of skills offered by Mulliner, including quilted and embroidered seat uppers, diamond patterned perforations, contrast embroidery and piping. 

    In the era of the original Speed Six, leather upholstery was often treated with natural oils, waxes, or even varnishes to achieve a smooth, glossy surface.  Mulliner worked with its suppliers to replicate this higher sheen on the hide for the two matched Bentleys. Subtle variations of shade also help to create the visual impression of age-patinated leather. 

    Bridge of Weir have provided for the automotive industry for over a century, and produce the world’s lowest carbon leather thanks to their responsible sourcing, 100% traceability and innovative circular manufacturing process, which contributes to an independently verified Life Cycle Analysis score of 8kg CO2e/m2 on average, the lowest in the world published for leather.

    Bentley Motors works closely with its suppliers to ensure that they adhere to rigorous environmental standards, including responsible water and energy use, waste management, and chemical control. The company’s craft teams treat this natural material with respect and the result of their work can be expected to last for decades, or perhaps even a century. As an upholstery material leather is sustainable, durable and above all beautiful – qualities it shares with every Bentley.

  • The Victoris Bentley Bentaygas: New Paint Technology Creates Unique Cars for Charity

    The Victoris Bentley Bentaygas: New Paint Technology Creates Unique Cars for Charity

    • Three one-of-one Bentaygas showcase new graduated paint technology, commissioned by Bentley Dallas for its Victoris philanthropic initiative, 
    • Close collaboration between Bentley Dallas, artist Stephen Seltzer and Bentley Mulliner
    • Net sale proceeds donated to Children’s Cancer Fund, Cook Children’s Medical Centre, and Children’s Health charities
    • Bespoke paint-fading process pioneered at Bentley’s Excellence Centre for Bespoke Paint
    • Exterior finishes alone took 70 hours of painstaking work per vehicle
    • One-off features include Victoris pinstripe device on fascia, headrest embroidery and badging

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Children’s charities in Texas will soon be benefitting from a $75,000 windfall, thanks to a philanthropic initiative from Bentley Dallas. The Victoris programme, its name representing triumph over adversity, takes the form of three exceptional Bentaygas whose unique design and craftsmanship are the fruit of a three-way collaboration between Bentley Dallas, artist Stephen Selzer and Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division. 

    Each Bentayga is a showcase for a unique fusion or art and craftsmanship, including a bespoke graduated paint process pioneered by Bentley’s Excellence Centre for Paint team at Crewe, England. Purchasers of these three vehicles will enjoy the knowledge that they own a true ‘one of one’ Bentley and that their generosity will be helping children in need overcome some of life’s most serious challenges. 

    Pioneering dual-tone graduated paint process

    All three Victoris Bentaygas make a powerful visual impact thanks to their remarkable bespoke paint transitions, with each model featuring its own dual-tone finish. Creating the gradual ‘fade’ from one tone to another called for the utmost precision, with components such as bumpers and door handles aligned perfectly with the corresponding colour gradient on the body.     

    The preparation and hand-spraying of each body and its related components took over 70 hours of dedicated work at Bentley’s Excellence Centre for Paint. Unlike standard single-colour painting, this technique involves the meticulous application of pre-tinted shades in specific positions on the vehicle’s body, creating a seamless gradient transition. Meticulous masking, employing custom-fabricated stencils, ensured uniformity across all three cars to an accuracy of just 2mm. Each body was then mirror-polished for a flawless finish.

    Three colour stories

    Each Victoris Bentayga is a one-of-one creation, based on a standard wheelbase V8 Azure with Blackline Specification, Styling Specification and LED welcome lamps. Other common features include interior mood lighting, five-seat Comfort specification and illuminated Bentley treadplates.     

    The first of artist Stephen Selzer’s Victoris designs features a duo-tone red paint fade of Candy over Cricketball. The D pillar carries a Victoris badge in chrome and gloss black, while the wheels are five-spoke 22” items in gloss black with black callipers. Its interior is upholstered in Beluga black and Mulliner white hide, while all veneered surfaces are finished in Grand Black. The Victoris pinstripe in Pillar Box red sweeps around the cabin on the door waistrails and fascia, with the distinctive ‘V’ swoosh on the fascia continuing into a Pillar Box red upper vane on the fascia bullseye air vent. The seats feature embroidered Bentley wings in Silver while the Victoris repeat pattern is blind embossed on the headrests.     

    The second of three Victoris Bentaygas is finished in duo-tone Moonbeam silver over Anthracite grey, while the interior features a bespoke colour split of Beluga black and Saddle brown. All veneered surfaces are executed in high gloss carbon fibre, while the Victoris pinstripe on waistrails, fascia and air vent upper vane is picked out in Moonbeam white.     

    Selzer’s third design in collaboration with Mulliner has a striking exterior of Anthracite fading to Extreme Silver. On this Victoris Bentayga the wheels are 22” ten-spoke designs in gloss black and bright machined finish, the latter selected to pick up the Extreme Silver paint fade. Inside, driver and passengers are greeted by a bespoke upholstery split of Cricketball and Beluga. The Victoris pinstripe on waistrails, fascia and fascia bullseye air vent in Moonbeam makes a dramatic contrast with the Grand Black veneer it bisects. 

    The Spirit of Victory

    The development of the Victoris Bentaygas is the result of close collaboration between Bentley Dallas, automotive artist Stephen Selzer and the team at Bentley Mulliner. The projected net proceeds of $75,000 from their sale will be donated to Children’s Cancer Fund, Cook Children’s Medical Centre, and Children’s Health.     

    As Hesham Algaghil, President, Avondale Dealerships observes, “The message of Victoris is the triumph of resilience over adversity. We hope to inspire owners to support our initiative and promote victories in the lives of children battling life-changing challenges. They will appeal to individuals who value not only the unique aesthetics and performance of a Bentley but also have a deep sense of social responsibility.”

  • Bentley Collector Takes Delivery of Bespoke Le Mans Bentayga to Complete a Unique Stable

    Bentley Collector Takes Delivery of Bespoke Le Mans Bentayga to Complete a Unique Stable

    • Bentley enthusiast Mark King receives his Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner, in full Le Mans Collection trim and livery
    • This option only offered to owners of limited edition Le Mans Collection Continental GT or GT Convertible
    • Both vehicles feature exterior in Verdant green with Le Mans style racing stripe in Moonbeam
    • Interior features include Beluga hide and Dinamica fabric seat faces with contrast seat stitching in Hotspur
    • Apex Edition Bentayga based on 550 PS 4.0-litre S V8 with Bentley Dynamic Ride and rear-wheel steering
    • Special Apex Edition features include 22” carbon wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon body kit
    • Le Mans Collection Continental GT created to mark 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England –  A long-term Bentley enthusiast and collector, Mark King, has taken delivery of a very special Bentayga – the latest addition to an extensive Bentley stable. His Apex Edition Bentayga is one of just 20 handcrafted examples by Mulliner worldwide, finished in the same livery and trim as his 2023 Le Mans Collection Continental GT – itself created to mark 20 years since Bentley’s return to victory at Le Mans in 2003 after a 73-year absence from the top step of the podium.

    While the Apex Edition Bentayga was also offered in six curated colour and trim themes, the Verdant green and Moonbeam livery of Mr King’s Apex Edition Bentayga was only offered to existing Le Mans Collection owners. 

    A thoroughbred stable

    Mr King, who is based in Northern Ireland, follows a family tradition as a passionate and knowledgeable collector of high-performance vehicles.  His new Apex Edition Bentayga joins a garage that holds a Bentayga Speed, a rare Continental GT3-R and a Continental Flying Spur, all of which he uses regularly. A Bentley owner since 2010 and regular attendee at Bentley’s exclusive owner events, he leapt at the opportunity to commission a Le Mans Collection Continental GT in 2023 and needed no encouragement to add the Apex Edition Bentayga in full Le Mans livery when it was announced. His existing Bentayga Speed has covered over 100,000 miles in his ownership and is often pressed into action to trailer other vehicles from his extensive collection. 

    The Apex Edition Bentayga

    The Apex Edition Bentayga is based on the Bentayga S, the sporting flagship of Bentley’s SUV line-up. Its 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, giving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 secs) and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering deliver agile handling with minimal roll, while the V8’s exhilarating snarl is enhanced by a free-flowing sports exhaust. 

    The Apex Edition takes the performance focus to the next level, with ultra-strong 22” Mulliner carbon wheels that save 44 kg in unsprung mass for enhanced steering agility, and carbon-ceramic brakes for immensely powerful, fade-free braking. As the most performance focused and dynamic Bentayga ever, Mr King’s Apex Edition amply merits its Le Mans-inspired livery.

    The Le Mans Collection Continental GT

    Created in 2023 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at Le Mans, the Le Mans Collection Continental GT’s Verdant green and Blackline specification nods to the black and green livery of the winning #7 Speed 8. The Beluga black matrix grille features a painted #7 in Arctica white, while other distinctive features include black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels, powerful carbon ceramic brakes and red brake callipers.     

    All Le Mans Collection vehicles feature a six-wreath emblem inlaid into a high gloss carbon fibre fascia, marking each of the six outright victories recorded by Bentley at Le Mans between 1924 and 2003. The highlight of the interior is the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, which revolves to reveal a central vitrine that holds a section of engine valve from the winning 2003 Speed 8.

  • “The Black Rose” Bentley Batur Revealed Featuring 3D Printed Rose Gold

    “The Black Rose” Bentley Batur Revealed Featuring 3D Printed Rose Gold

    • ‘The Black Rose’ – a special customer commission, and one of only three right-hand-drive Baturs – revealed by Bentley
    • The first ever expression of three dimensional printed solid rose gold in the ultimate grand tourer
    • Specially commissioned Black Rose exterior paint with satin Rose Gold accents, with a matching interior
    • Customer commissioning process demonstrates the breadth of techniques, colours, materials and finishes that are available through Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division 
    • Bentley committed to offering industry first manufacturing and craftsmanship to its customers with continued collaboration 
    • Sustainably sourced raw materials reflects commitment to sustainable luxury 

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley has unveiled a truly exceptional example of the co-creation commissioning journey every Batur customer experiences, with a unique result – a car christened ‘The Black Rose’, and themed around the beauty of rose gold.

    The Black Rose is one of 18 Baturs being built by Mulliner’s Bespoke Studio, and results from an extensive co-creation journey between the client and Mulliner’s design team. This exquisite car features bespoke ‘Black Rose’ metallic paintwork commissioned by Mulliner exclusively for the customer, with a gloss Beluga upper body. Satin Rose Gold accents adorn the front grille, ‘endless bonnet line’ brightware, mirror caps, lower body kit and 22” tri-tone wheels, which surround the impressive carbon ceramic brakes with black calipers.

    Inside, the rich darkness of the hides, fascias and fabrics is punctuated only by the glint of rose gold. An automotive industry first, Bentley’s gold Additive Manufacturing (AM) 3D printing technique adds up to 210 grams of hallmarked 18-karat rose gold to the interior of the coachbuilt coupe at key driver touchpoints. These include the Drive Mode Selector and Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard, as well as a rose gold insert marker on the steering wheel, exemplifying the level of bespoke detailing on offer. 

    Surrounding the rose gold elements is a cabin that provides a dark canvas of materials working in perfect harmony – rich Beluga leather, charcoal grey tweed fabric, and veneers painted in Black Rose metallic paint to compliment the exterior.

    Industry first in Three Dimensional Printed Gold  

    Bentley Motors has collaborated with renowned goldsmiths Cooksongold in an industry first to combine new and advanced manufacturing technologies with more traditional materials and finishing techniques. Utilising sustainably sourced raw materials from 100 percent recycled jewellery reflects the manufacturers’ commitment to sustainable luxury. 

    All parts produced for the Batur are hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as a sign of having solid material authenticity. Additionally, any parts manufactured in 2022 also receive the Jubilee hallmark, celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year. 

    In 2022, Bentley committed a total of £3 million investment to double the AM capacity at the Crewe factory, converting three dimensional CAD models into physical parts. 

    Hallmarked 18-karat rose gold is one of many innovative finishes that customers have the choice of exploring in the Batur through Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division. From aerospace-inspired titanium to sustainable, leather-like textiles made from by-products of the coffee roasting process, choices like these only add to the immense range of leathers, woods and other options. The only limit is the imagination of the individual customer. 

    The Art of Commissioning

    From the Roaring Twenties onwards, Mulliner coachbuilt bespoke bodies for some of the world’s most iconic Bentleys, including the famous R-Type Continental of 1952.

    Today, Mulliner operates as Bentley’s bespoke division, delivering everything from personal commissions to coachbuilt cars. It offers an exclusive, face-to-face service for customers who demand the rarest and most exquisite vehicles, often co-designing features and finishes to suit the unique tastes of the individual.

    Restricted to just 18 exclusive examples, the Batur signified the start of a design revolution at Bentley, and its success has been followed by the Batur Convertible, unveiled in May 2024. The Batur Convertible is the third car in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family, following the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupe. Strictly limited to just 16 units, the Batur Convertible is the most powerful W12-powered drop-top Grand Tourer in Bentley’s history.

  • Bentley’s Women Unite to Design Bespoke Grand Tourer

    Bentley’s Women Unite to Design Bespoke Grand Tourer

    • World-leading musicians Anna Lapwood, Tina Guo and Sister Bliss unite as part of Bentley’s Extraordinary Women programme
    • Union honours International Women’s Day on Saturday 8th March
    • Trio collaborate to design bespoke Continental GTC, to be handcrafted in Crewe and revealed in Q4 this year
    • Unique result symbolises collaboration and female empowerment in celebration of International Women’s Day
    • Extraordinary Talk held for Bentley colleagues, featuring inspiring discussions on creativity, leadership and driving change in male-dominated industries 

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors has welcomed three exceptional, world-leading musical artists to its Crewe headquarters to design a one-of-a-kind Continental GTC, commissioned to honour female empowerment and collaboration. Celebrated organist and conductor Anna Lapwood MBE, world-renowned virtuoso cellist and composer Tina Guo, and Sister Bliss of legendary dance music group Faithless, joined forces to create a bespoke Bentley that embodies creativity, craftsmanship, and inclusivity.

    This special commission is part of Bentley’s Extraordinary Women programme, an initiative dedicated to championing gender equality, fostering inclusion, and empowering women globally. Bentley Motors invited these exceptional artists to join the programme in recognition of their remarkable contributions to music, their influence as role models, and their dedication to challenging industry norms. 

    The unique Continental GTC, tailored through Bentley’s Mulliner division, represents the artistic and personal influences of each musician, blending bespoke design elements that reflect their personal journeys and shared vision. Bentley’s Mulliner design team played a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life, with two leading female designers at the forefront of the project. These industry leading experts ensured every detail of the Continental GTC reflected the essence of the musicians’ artistry. Their expertise in bespoke luxury design continues to set new standards in automotive personalisation, reaffirming Bentley’s dedication to fostering talent across industries, including the arts, automotive, and beyond. The result of this extraordinary collaboration will be revealed in Q4, after the car has been handcrafted by the craftspeople and artisans at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England.

    Alongside this design project, Bentley hosted the next session of its ‘Extraordinary Talks’ series for its colleagues, where Lapwood, Guo, and Sister Bliss shared inspiring discussions on creativity, leadership, collaboration and driving change in male-dominated industries to an audience of over 100 colleagues. The talk encouraged colleagues to embrace innovation and support a more inclusive future.

    Bentley Motors continues to support DEIB initiatives that drive positive change. This unique Continental GTC serves as a striking representation of what can be achieved when talent, vision, and collaboration come together.

    Anna Lapwood MBE

    Anna Lapwood, awarded an MBE at just 28, has captivated millions on social media and in live audiences by redefining the role of the organ, blending classical music with modern genres and pushing the boundaries of performance. Lapwood has built a following of more than two million across her social media channels, regularly performs concertos with leading symphony orchestras and conductors and collaborated with artists including Raye, Bonobo and Benedict Cumberbatch. Anna’s passion for the organ is matched by her mission to support girls and women in music. She was the first female in Magdalen College Oxford’s 560-year history to be awarded the Organ Scholarship and since then has run regular organ workshops for young players around the country. Having spent some years being encouraged to “play like a man”, Anna is proud and humbled to see so many adopt her hashtag,  #playlikeagirl. She is an Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall in London, and in 2023 was awarded the prestigious ‘Gamechanger’ Award from the Royal Philharmonic Society.

    Today, Anna announces ‘Firedove’, her new album set for release on 30th May via Sony Classical. Recorded through the night at Nidaros Cathedral in Norway, ‘Firedove’ brings together all of Anna’s different musical worlds for organ & choir with classical pieces, film scores, minimalism, new commissions and unexpected pop covers.

    Tina Guo

    Tina Guo, a Chinese-born American Grammy-nominated virtuoso cellist, is known for her genre-defying approach and collaborations with some of the world’s most celebrated artists. Guo has performed as the featured soloist in scores for major film productions (including Sherlock Holmes, Dunkirk, Inception and many others), TV shows and video games. One of the most recorded solo cellists of all time, Guo recent film projects include DUNE, DUNE 2, Gran Turismo and Top Gun: Maverick, while also delivering music for new video games Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

    Alongside her work for film scores, Tina is a classical soloist performing with orchestras across the globe, and has toured as a soloist with her electric cello as part of Hans Zimmer Live since 2016.

    Tina also co-composed the Main Theme for Wonder Woman with Hans Zimmer – music that has since become an anthem for female empowerment, and a defining example of her own power and ability. Guo performs on a Gand & Bernadel cello made in Paris, France in 1878, a customized Yamaha SVC-210 electric cello, and an erhu made in Shanghai, China.

    Sister Bliss

    Sister Bliss, one of the founding members of legendary dance act Faithless, has led a pioneering 17-year career, producing eight albums, six top-ten singles and selling over fifteen million records worldwide, breaking new ground for female DJs. Founding Faithless as the core musician together with producer Rollo and vocalist Maxi Jazz in 1995, Sister Bliss is responsible for the music behind all of Faithless’ most iconic records, including Insomnia – voted the fifth best dance track of all time. Faithless have headlined major festivals across Europe, including four appearances at Glastonbury.

    As one of the first female DJs to find incredible mainstream success, Sister Bliss paved the way for a generation of female talent to rise up through the traditionally male-dominated dance music industry. Following a break after the tragic loss of Maxi Jazz in 2022, Sister Bliss announced that Faithless would return to the stage in 2024 after an eight year absence. 2025 will bring continued touring with summer dates across the UK and Europe and the release of Faithless’ next studio album, Champion Sound.

  • Exterior Accent Colours Extend the Palette Beyond 46 Billion Possibilities

    Exterior Accent Colours Extend the Palette Beyond 46 Billion Possibilities

    • Even more exterior accent colours and options now available for fourth-generation Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible
    • The 46 billion ‘standard’ ways to configure a Continental GT now becomes truly infinite, thanks to the world of Mulliner
    • Accent colour options include body kits, wheel designs and door mirrors
    • Wheel finishes offered in a wide choice of single colour, duo tone, satin and pearlescent shades
    • Options also available for Flying Spur and Bentayga personalisation
    • Bespoke co-creations use accent colours to realise the designer’s vision
    • One in four Bentleys now feature Mulliner bespoke options

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley customers now have access to an even wider array of exterior personalisation options for the fourth Generation Continental GT and Continental GT convertible. Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division – Mulliner – has expanded its wide range of exterior accent colours, allowing owners to express their individuality and eye for detail through subtle enhancements, each executed with meticulous care by Mulliner’s artisans.

    Accent colour options include pinstripes to body kits and door mirrors, and wheel designs painted in single colours, two contrasting colours, or with pinstripe details. Adding to the breadth of choice, wheels can be specified in solid or metallic colours, as well as satin and pearlescent finishes. 

    Exterior accent colours can complement or contrast the model’s exterior finish. They can also echo an interior finish or any hide colour, uniting interior and exterior colour palettes. For example, the new dark chrome interior finish offered for the Continental GT could be paired with a matching exterior accent colour in dark grey. The Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide is the gateway to a world of possibilities, enabling each customer to realise their unique vision. 

    Emphasing style and performance

    With their lean, muscular lines the fourth generation Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible readily inspire a personal and dramatic colour specification. For these models, Mulliner now offers a contrast accent pinstripe for the aerodynamic body kit in either gloss or satin finish. The perfectly executed pinstripe traces the outer edges of the front spoiler, sills and rear diffuser. A pinstripe accent colour is also available for mirror caps and wheel rims. 

    Another contrast option offered by Mulliner is a Beluga black roof finish for the new Continental GT*. This creates a bold, performance-focused look. It recalls the livery of the Pikes Peak limited edition, which celebrated the record-breaking ascent of Pikes Peak in just 10 minutes, 18.4 seconds by a Continental GT. 

    Subtle details demonstrating individual flair

    As with the Continental GT, the contrast accent pinstripe for the Flying Spur traces the lower edge of the body kit.  Alternatively, Mulliner offers a carbon fibre body kit, which can either feature the carbon fibre weave beneath a protective clear lacquer finish or be specified in a finish of the owner’s choice. This component, too, can be specified with a contrast accent pinstripe. Wheel rim and mirror cap pinstripes in matching accent colours complete the look. 

    Bright and bold for Bentayga

    Contrast accent options for the Bentayga include pinstripes to mirror caps and wheel rims. Painted brake callipers are offered in a choice of Klein Blue, Signal Yellow and Ice Silver as an alternative to the standard black finish. The Bentayga’s optional carbon fibre body kit can also be specified with a contrast accent pinstripe. 

    Wheels – the finishing touch

    Wheel finishes make a dramatic difference to the visual impact of the finished vehicle; a single colour, perhaps matched to the body finish, create a unified and contemporary look. In contrast, a metallic duotone – with the spokes and pockets of the wheel in contrasting colours – draws the eye to the wheel’s intricate design and creates a more opulent effect. A more subtle effect is achieved through pinstriping around the circumference of the wheel rim. Customers can choose painted wheels in either solid, metallic, duo tone, satin or pearlescent finishes – using the entire paint range or even commissioning their own truly bespoke colour and finish.

    Bespoke creations

    Accent colours add a key ingredient to Mulliner’s bespoke creations. When fashion designer Supriya Lele collaborated with Mulliner designers to create a one-off Bentayga S, she created a bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, inspired by her Indian heritage. This bespoke hue, subtle yet distinctive, echoes the sense of enduring elegance that characterises her work. The same shade was used as an accent colour on the wheel rims, while the Mulliner White accent colour on the bodykit anticipates the restrained use of white piping in the interior.  

    Another one-off, co-curated by Bentley Naples, was Mulliner’s first bespoke fourth Generation Continental GT Convertible. Design highlights included sumptuous Damson exterior paint with Moonbeam accent colour, complementing the White main hide, Damson secondary hide and silver seat piping of the interior. This one-off creation was auctioned at the Naples Winter Wine Festival and raised $1.7m for at-risk and underprivileged children.

    A growing trend

    With one in four Bentleys leaving the Crewe factory now featuring Mulliner content, customer demand for greater individuality and distinction continues to grow. David Parker, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulliner, commented: “Our team of designers, engineers and artisans aim to ensure that each customer’s tastes and personality can be expressed, whether by exclusive paint and hide colours, materials, or bespoke features. The only limits are those of the imagination”.

    * Black roof option for Continental GT available when panoramic roof is specified. 

  • Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series #3 Presented to Owner

    Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series #3 Presented to Owner

    • Created by hand in the Mulliner workshops over eight months
    • Culmination of a boyhood dream, inspired by a child’s toy
    • Unique specification has personal significance to owner and family
    • Special green ‘Embelo’ finish named for their three daughters
    • Owner’s garage includes Continuation Series Blower, a first generation Continental GT, rare Continental GT3R, Supersports and Bentayga
    • Handover took place at Cliveden House, Berkshire.

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Many a Bentley owner’s love of the marque begins in childhood, and the owner of the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series is no exception. In his case, it was a ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model Blower Bentley, given to him by his uncle, that sparked a lifelong fascination with the pre-war Bentley racing cars.

    The owner and his wife enjoy a stable of Crewe-built Bentleys, including a first-generation Continental GT, a motorsports-inspired Continental GT3R, second-generation Continental Supersports and First Edition Bentayga. Pride of place however goes to his Continuation Series ‘Blower’ 4½ Litre Supercharged and the latest addition, a Continuation Series Speed Six. Not only has he kept that cherished scale model ‘Blower’ to this day, but it also provided the visual inspiration for his two Bentley Continuation Series cars.     

    At the workshops of Mulliner Classic, realising a customer’s dreams is both their calling and their pride. Continuation Speed Six #3 (of 12) is a case in point; created with meticulous attention to detail to be identical in every respect to the original 1930s works racer, it also features several personal touches in its specification that make it truly individual, from the one-off paint finish to the racing number 3 that it carries on its flank and radiator.

    Personal memories and family associations
    Both the Continuation Series Speed Six and the Continuation Series Blower are the third of twelve in their series, and the Speed Six also carries the racing number 3. The number that has fond associations for the owner, who played rugby to semi-pro standard as a tighthead prop, wearing the number 3 jersey, for many years.

    Both the Blower and the Speed Six are finished in the same specially blended shade of green, chosen after careful consideration to be mid-way between the light green of the owner’s scale model and traditional British Racing Green. The shade was christened ‘Embelo Green’, taking the first letters of the couple’s three daughters. Like the owner’s scale model Bentley, his Speed Six Continuation Series’ interior is upholstered in red, though the couple chose a more muted shade than that of the toy.

    As with all this owner’s Bentleys, the Speed Six will be regularly and enthusiastically driven. Accordingly, another special request was for the Mulliner team to provide two exhaust systems with the Speed Six: one unsilenced as the original Speed Six specification, and the other with a silencer for circuits where noise restrictions are required.  Bentley Mulliner engineering developed this silencer specifically for the Speed Six Continuation series. Finishing touches include a white patch on the leading edge of the nearside front fender for easier identification when coming into the pits and a hand-painted Union Flag on the driver’s side of the car. 

    A hands-on experience
    Commissioning a Continuation Series Bentley is a highly personal process and, like many Mulliner Classic customers, the owner of the #3 Speed Six became a familiar figure in the Crewe workshops. A highly capable craftsman in his own right, he even spent a day working as part of the Mulliner team to fit the period-correct Rexine fabric of his Blower’s Weymann-style bodywork. While work commitments meant he was unable to do the same for his Speed Six, he fully intends to use it as W.O. Bentley intended – fast, reliable and capable of impressive performance.

    The legendary Speed Six
    The Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6½ Litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft.

    182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930. Two wins at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, in 1929 and 1930, cemented the Speed Six’s pre-eminent place in Bentley racing history.

    For the Continuation Series Speed Six, Mulliner Classic took two original Speed Sixes as its template: the company’s own Speed Six, GU409, and ‘Old Number 3’, a works Speed Six driven in the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour race by Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee. The latter was generously loaned by its owner and gave the Mulliner team invaluable data on dimensions, materials, and components. The Mulliner Classic team is also indebted to the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation, which provided 80% of the original drawings and notes used by the team.  

    About Bentley Motors
    Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering, Mulliner and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

  • Market Find: Pink on Pink Final W12 Continental GTC in Beverly Hills

    Market Find: Pink on Pink Final W12 Continental GTC in Beverly Hills

    What: 2024 Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner W12
    Color: Pink Frost (pinkfrost; unknown; unknown; Bentley Mulliner)
    VIN: SCBDT4ZG3RC017079
    Mileage: 33
    Price at Time of this Writing: $459,260
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: O’Gara Coach, Beverly Hills, CA
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love mention it:

    There’s no doubt the Bentley Continental GTC you see here is polarizing. When the Bentley dealership in Beverly Hills commissions a special order car from Mulliner to celebrate the final W12 twin turbo delivery to the store, maybe it shouldn’t be so surprising that they’d go with something as bold as pink over pink.

    Not much is known about Pink Frost at this time, though it’s an incredibly light and almost white pastel pink, light pastel in the vein of Porsche Chalk or Audi Cumulus Blue… but pink.

    We also don’t know much about the interior specification. The car’s listing states it as “Beluga”, though it’s definitely got Bentley’s Mulliner – Bespoke Interior Color Split on the build list and we’re guessing that may have been to mirror the Pink Frost exterior color.

    Whatever, the car is a one of one build by Mulliner for Bentley Beverly Hills, with other options including Mulliner – Personal Paint – Solid & Metallic, Mulliner – Bespoke Interior Colour Split, Bang & Olufsen for Bentley, Mulliner PCG – Pinstripe Fascia/Door WR, Mood Lighting with Personalised TP, Mulliner PCG – Bespoke Treadplate Plaques, Mulliner PCG – Mulliner Overmats (Front) and Mulliner – Quilted Tonneau Cover.

    There’s no doubt this is a fascinating build, and a significant one named explicitly on the sill plate. For the right buyer seeking this sort of car, it is spectacular. For many others, it will no doubt cause discussion.