Bentley Mulliner: 1,000 Masterpieces of Bespoke Craftsmanship and the Enduring Legacy of the Continental GT
The world of ultra-luxury automobiles is often defined by the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship, where individual desires are meticulously translated into rolling works of art. Bentley Mulliner, the esteemed personalization division of Bentley Motors, recently marked a significant milestone: the production of its 1,000th bespoke commission since its re-establishment in 2014. This achievement underscores a decade of unparalleled dedication to crafting unique vehicles that transcend mere transportation, offering owners an extension of their personal identity. As an industry expert with ten years immersed in this rarefied automotive realm, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of personalization, and Bentley Mulliner’s journey exemplifies the very essence of automotive artistry.
The 1,000th bespoke creation is a testament to the discerning tastes of a European client who sought two specific interior features to elevate their Bentley to extraordinary new heights. Firstly, the incorporation of Olive Ash wood veneer, typically gracing the interior of the opulent Mulsanne Limousine, was specified for the dashboard and door panels of a Bentayga. This choice speaks volumes about the client’s appreciation for rare materials and their ability to harmonize diverse elements within a single vehicle. Secondly, the client opted for a striking dual-stitching detail in a contrasting thread on the upper sections of the seats and door cards. This seemingly small detail adds a layer of visual dynamism, defining the interior architecture and exuding a sense of refined sportiness.
Looking back, it’s fascinating to trace the lineage of these bespoke commissions. The very first project undertaken by Mulliner was a limited-edition run of 15 Flying Spur Serenity models. This early endeavor focused on enhancing passenger comfort, featuring redesigned seats and headrests, and notably, introducing a unique diamond quilting pattern throughout the cabin. This innovative application of quilting, inspired by a specially textured leather, later provided the creative spark for the distinctive diamond pattern found on the current Continental GT Mulliner models. The journey from that initial Flying Spur to the 1,000th bespoke commission showcases a consistent drive towards pushing the boundaries of automotive personalization.
Over the past seven years, Mulliner’s extensive portfolio has spanned the entire Bentley model range. From the jet-inspired Continental models to the mighty 6¾-litre V8 Mulsanne, and the incredibly diverse interior schemes of the Bentayga, where distinct personalities can be reflected in the driver and passenger sides alike, no request has been too complex. The sheer breadth of Mulliner’s work is astounding, encompassing everything from custom treadplates and unique body kits, such as the striking Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, to regionally specific and globally celebrated limited editions, and even competition-focused race car specifications.
The Mulliner team, an integral part of Bentley Motors’ design department, comprises highly skilled designers and digital artists. Their expertise lies in translating client visions into tangible realities, offering photorealistic visualizations of their bespoke creations even before the first piece of material is cut. This collaborative approach ensures that the inimitable Bentley design DNA is seamlessly integrated into every Mulliner commission, while simultaneously expanding the possibilities for customers. Today, the only true limitations for a Mulliner commission are the client’s imagination and the boundaries of global legislation.
Bespoke design is at the heart of Bentley Mulliner’s strategy. The team collaborates closely with all three facets of the bespoke division, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and client engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Mulliner successfully guided over 12 Bentley Mulliner Bacalar clients through their design choices via Zoom. Similarly, they advised 12 clients on the detailed specifications for the Blower Continuation Series, crafted Mulliner specifications for the Continental GT Coupe and Convertible, and published the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide. This comprehensive guide empowers every Bentley customer with the ability to imbue their vehicle with unique details, fostering a deeply personal connection with their car. This active client involvement, from classic restorations to coachbuilt projects and collection pieces, allows the design team to deliver an ever-evolving and modern Mulliner experience.
The inherently limited-volume nature of Mulliner’s work also grants the design team a remarkable degree of creative freedom. Working hand-in-hand with other departments at Bentley, they develop innovative ideas and concepts that might not be feasible for series production. A prime example of this ingenuity is the Mullinerstone veneer, a limited-edition material produced through an exceptionally intricate and challenging manufacturing process. This involves forming and finishing wafer-thin sheets of natural stone, a material rarely associated with automotive interiors, demonstrating Mulliner’s commitment to exploring unconventional and exquisite finishing options.
Paul Williams, Director of Mulliner and Motorsport, remarked, “Since 2014, our Mulliner design team has completed an average of three bespoke commissions per week, a clear indication of the growing demand for Bentley’s unique personalization. Led by Design Manager Phil Dean, the team has been responsible for everything from the finishing of the Continental GT3 race cars to the complete specification and detailing of the 12-strong Blower Continuation Series. The only commonality between these commissions is that each is unique to the customer, and each is utterly individual. The breadth of Bentley’s expertise and quality standards are brought to life by the team through the Mulliner Visualiser, allowing customers to select paint colours and specific requirements with a realistic, real-time visualization of their creation. The co-creation journey with our Mulliner designers is now accessible to all.”
The astonishing diversity of these successful commissions includes unique wood veneers, some featuring intricate inlays, and striking colour splits on the finest leather hides, complemented by bespoke colour matching. Equally impressive are the unique stitching designs for a vast array of bespoke projects, as well as customizable treadplates and welcome lamps. The selection of materials extends to unique wool patterns, the innovative use of stone veneer in place of traditional wood, and even the integration of cherished small artifacts from Bentley’s illustrious past.
Bespoke creations are often produced as limited-run series, exclusive to a handful of fortunate owners. The seven-car Bentley series celebrating the famous Breitling Jets, for instance, perfectly matched the paint schemes to the inspiration aircraft, featuring shades of black, silver, and yellow. Regionally specific editions, conceived by either retailers or customers, are also common, often celebrating Bentley’s motorsport successes, such as the Continental GT Pikes Peak special edition produced in 2019 to commemorate Bentley’s record-breaking run at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb.
The skill set of the Mulliner design team extends far beyond the exterior and interior of the car. From intricate interior detailing to scale models and themed sculptures, the team has been instrumental in creating magnificent picnic hampers for the Bentayga, complete with refrigerators, fine bespoke bone china, glassware, and storage for outdoor pursuits. These hampers can be detached and used as seating. Owners of the Blower Continuation Series and Bentley Mulliner Bacalar also receive uniquely designed “speedforms” prior to taking delivery of their cars, each meticulously crafted by Mulliner to represent their specific vehicle in a distinctive artistic form.
Bentley Mulliner’s influence now spans across all three divisions of the company, with the Personal Commissioning Guide further enhancing customer choice in creating their bespoke Bentley. The Mulliner design team is undoubtedly poised for an even greater influx of exciting projects in the near future.
The Continental GT: Two Decades of Defining a New Era of Bentley Motors
Bentley Motors is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT, its iconic sports
, with a four-month exhibition and series of driving events that commenced at the Shanghai Auto Show in China. This milestone is marked by the unveiling of the unique, one-off Continental GTS. This special edition sports quatreporte is a testament to Mulliner’s bespoke artistry, distinguished by exclusive styling cues and commemorative elements, including a special anniversary badge and unique graphic design, signifying two decades of a car that redefined the modern Bentley.
The exterior of the special edition Continental GTS is presented in a striking, deep metallic grey, complemented by black chrome accents and 22-inch gloss black ten-spoke alloy wheels. Red brake calipers add a touch of vibrant sportiness. The interior embraces a bold black and red theme, featuring a dual-tone finish with Beluga black and Hotspur red leather, accented by Piano Black veneer.
The bespoke interior is further enhanced by Mulliner’s signature colour split, applied across the dashboard and cabin, with a dual-tone finish. Unique detailing graces the centre console and treadplates. The upper veneer features a two-tone Granite Stone finish, offering a tactile and distinctive feel, while the lower veneer is crafted from Grand Black with “20 YEARS OF THE CONTINENTAL GT” laser-engraved lettering. A red accent stripe runs horizontally across the centre console, extending through the upper air vents from door to door, visually separating the two surfaces.
The specially designed treadplates celebrate 20 years of the sports quatreporte with a graphic representation of the first and third-generation Continental GT alloy wheels, as well as the silhouette of the first and third-generation Continental GT. The centre console and LED welcome lamps also feature unique designs to commemorate this special occasion.
20 Years of the Continental GT: The Sports Quatreporte of an Era
The Continental GT sports quatreporte was launched in 2003 as the first new model of Bentley’s modern era. This all-wheel-drive vehicle, featuring the innovative W12 engine, propelled Bentley Motors to its current standing as one of the world’s most desirable automotive manufacturers.
Upon its debut in 2003, the Continental GT offered an unparalleled blend of stunning design, supercar performance, and exquisite craftsmanship. It was lauded as the fastest four-seat sports quatreporte in the world, capable of exceeding 190 mph (300 km/h) and achieving 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds). With no direct competitors at the time, the Continental GT quickly became a global sensation, forging a new market segment.
Today, the third generation of the Continental GT and GTC continues to garner accolades. In 2022, the Continental GT Speed was named winner of the prestigious Robb Report Car of the Year award, while the Continental GT V8 S secured the Car of the Year title in 2023. Furthermore, the Continental GT has consistently impressed in the Auto Motor und Sport awards, achieving the title of best imported luxury car for the second consecutive year in February 2023, based on a survey of over 101,000 readers.
Experience the Continental GT Drive
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Bentley Motors is offering prospective customers the opportunity to test drive the Continental GT at its headquarters in Crewe and at a second location in Geneva, Switzerland. First and second-generation Continental GTs from the Bentley Heritage Collection will be available for driving alongside the latest Continental GT models, bringing to life the design and engineering evolution of the past two decades.
An Anniversary of Power and Design Excellence
The 20th anniversary of the Continental GT also marks two decades of Bentley’s formidable 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, the powerhouse that has driven Bentley’s success over the past twenty years. With the announcement of the W12 engine’s production ending in April 2024, Bentley Motors has only 12 months left to produce this iconic powertrain before paving the way for an electrified future.
This significant occasion will be celebrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13-16, where Bentley Motors will showcase a W12-powered line-up spanning two decades, including the new Bentley Batur, meticulously crafted by Mulliner.
The Legend of the Sports Quatreporte at Monterey Car Week
The very first Continental GT to roll off the production line in Crewe in 2003, VIN 20001, was finished in Cypress Green with a Saddle leather interior and Burr Walnut veneer. Today, this historic first Continental GT is meticulously preserved as a proud reminder of Bentley Motors’ significant step forward.
For Monterey Car Week, held from August 11-18, 2023, Bentley Motors will unveil the final, unique Continental GT in the world, inspired by the very first VIN 20001 Continental GT, to celebrate this special occasion.
For those eager to experience the Bentley Continental GT V8, AAS is now accepting pre-orders, offering the best possible ownership proposition with prices starting at 19.4 million Baht. This includes a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, the option for an extended manufacturer’s warranty for up to 4 years, and 24-hour roadside assistance for a full 3 years.
