Recently, Bentley unveiled the ultra-exclusive Bentley Grand Convertible by Mulliner to the press and customers at a private event at Bentley Emirates, Dubai – their largest showroom in the world.
To maintain its collect ability and rarity, only 19 examples of this luxurious open-top Grand Tourer will available to order from Bentley’s coachbuilding and personal commissioning division, Mulliner. The inspiration for the number of Grand Convertibles to be built – just 19 – celebrates the year that Bentley was founded, 1919.
The Mulsanne is their flagship vehicle. And this Grand Convertible is based on their largest sedan. Its is colossal in size and breathtaking in beauty…and is fashioned entirely by hand from the finest materials. Thanks to which is will pose as the ultimate prize for the rich and famous.
In profile, you are witness to the sculptural elegance of the open-top flagship with the stand-alone A-pillar cutting upwards at a rakish angle from the long, imposing bonnet. The impact of this exquisite design is enhanced with the customers’ choice of duo-tone paintwork.
With the roof down, the handcrafted tonneau is visible. Book-matched and mirror-finished, the tonneau features the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. Crafted by hand, this veneer is only paralleled by the creations of the world’s best furniture makers, and is finished with elegant parallel lines of chromed steel.
Under the hood lies, Bentley’s legendary 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine of the flagship Mulsanne, which produces 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque, offering great power and refinement, as with other Bentleys.
The spacious yet intimate cabin design is inspired by luxurious, high-performance power boats and will showcase for the abilities of Mulliner’s master craftsmen and trim specialists. Each Grand Convertible will be created in close consultation with its owner, developing both the interior and exterior style to their exacting requirements.
Mulliner: A history spanning 500 years
Mulliner’s roots date back to the 1500’s – that’s almost 500 years of craftsmanship experience and heritage. The firm’s original intent was creating luxurious horse-drawn carriages. In 1923, Mulliner showcased for the first time work on a Bentley chassis, exhibiting a two-seater 3-Litre Bentley at the Olympia Show in London – just four years after Bentley Motors was founded.
In 1953, Mulliner coachbuilt one of the most iconic Bentleys ever – the R Type Continental. This model inspired the design of today’s Continental GT. In 1957, Mulliner introduced the Continental Flying Spur, a special four-door saloon built on the Bentley Continental chassis. Mulliner officially became part of Bentley Motors in 1959, setting up its workshops in Crewe.
