Bentleys are already these little (or not so little) worlds of your own. Pockets of peacefulness that transport you as you do whatever you need to do.
But what if you want a little bit… more?
We found the answer to all this at a wonderfully prepared and presented and thoroughly English Afternoon Tea at The PGA Cars Studio. We were given a variety of teas and pastries from which to select, then we were shown the same for their vehicles. Paint, trim, convertible top, wheels, all different types of colors and materials are available through the different Mulliner programs. It gets even more interesting in the interior, where you can choose from different veneers and treatments for metals, woods, leathers or synthetics. You can choose to inlay your crest, or use stitching that is your favorite color. It is completely true that a client once walked into Bentley and showed off his piece unique wristwatch, then ordered a car to match it. It is also true that a client ordered a paint color to match his wife’s favorite gown. When you go to the higher levels of personalization, you get to name the color and it is exclusive to you for a certain number of years unless you allow others to use it. That gown color went on to become quite a popular color for Bentley when the client chose to make it available. Who knows where inspiration can take you?
Mulliner began life as a coach builder. Actually it began life as a saddler even before the name became well-known. F. Mulliner was commissioned to build and maintain carriages for the Royal Mail in 1760. Carriages gave way to motorcars, which were made as an engine mounted on a chassis to be delivered to a coach builder for the actual body. Mulliner became the coach builder of choice most especially for Bentley. They created rolling pieces of art such as the bespoke 3-liter two-seater created for the 1923 Olympia Show in London that started their partnership. The most famous Mulliner coach built Bentley is said to be the R-Type Continental of 1952. They then created a four-seater on the same Continental chassis which went on to become the Flying Spur.
Mulliner now exists within Bentley, as its personal commissioning division. Clients may still fulfill their hearts desires, thought this is now through a wider array of possibilities and programs.
Curated by Mulliner allows access past the already extensive standard and extended range of paints and palettes. Specific features such as lambs wool rugs and champagne chillers become available. Special hand cross-stitching can be used with a special selection of colors made available. Then you have the veneers, the wonderful wood and metal and synthetic that for many truly exemplifies Bentley. We particularly like the nod to fine watchmaking that can be had with a Côtes De Genève finish on the the console between the two front seats.
All these choices can be challenging, and many request a little more guidance. They often end up moving to what is called “Mulliner Bespoke”. Here, Mulliner guides you through a very special process that creates the truly special vehicles for which Bentley and Mulliner are known. Certain details and combinations that often make others wonder, why doesn’t my Bentley have that? Something interesting to note is that the Bespoke program is, like the bespoke pieces from Savile Row, more about subtle elegance than about flash meant for others to recognize.
Then you have Mulliner Coach-built. All the knowledge and experience from generations of artistry come together with the latest in technology and engineering to create just what coachbuilders created years ago. Beautiful bodies surrounding the most modern of technologies. Mulliner Bespoke creates special vehicles such as the Batur Coupe or the cheetah that is the roofless Bacalar in very low volumes for very special clients. There is also personal commission available when just a few is a few too many.
And just to remind everyone that Bentley is about luxury motoring that is seriously fun, there is also Mulliner Classics. They are creating and recreating the legendary coach-built Bentleys such as the six and a half-liter Bentley Speed Six works racing specification. Only 12 of these historic and highly collectible pieces will be made. The Mulliner Blower Continuation series is meant to resurrect the Bentley supercharged four and a half-liter known as the Blower. Again, only 12. Just don’t expect air-conditioning.
