Bentley Prague celebrates heroes of the skies with exclusive Czech Squadron collection

Bentley Prague has commissioned its first Mulliner collection, celebrating the historic role played by Crewe and a group of heroic Czech airmen. In a remarkable Mulliner project, the Czech Squadron Collection has been created with the full cooperation of the British Ministry of Defence and includes four unique Bentleys featuring the insignia and mottos of four wartime RAF squadrons in which Czech airmen served. 

The colours and trim selected for each Bentley pay tribute to the aircraft of their respective RAF squadrons. Laser-etched squadron insignia feature on the headrests of each model, a technique pioneered by the Mulliner team for the Czech Squadron Collection. Bespoke treadplates feature the outline of each squadron’s primary aircraft, along with that squadron’s motto. The Continental GT, GT Convertible and Flying Spur also feature the Bentley Rotating Display with bespoke dial bezels in St James’ Red, Beluga and Signal Yellow – colours which featured prominently in the livery and insignia of the Czech Squadrons.      

Jiří Halousek, Sales Manager Bentley Prague remarks, “The Czech Squadron Collection is the first Mulliner edition commissioned by Bentley Prague, and we chose a theme that was close to our hearts. The craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Mulliner team is everything we could have hoped for – and more.”    

The collection, commissioned by Bentley Prague to mark the opening of its new premises, is a reminder of the enduring ties between the UK and Czechia.

Czech Collection Continental GT Convertible: Squadron 310

Squadron 310 was one of the first RAF squadrons in which Czech airmen, exiled from their own country, could contribute to the defence of the skies. Initially the squadron flew Hawker Hurricane fighters but later switched to Supermarine Spitfires. Both aircraft were powered by the Merlin aero engine which was produced in large numbers at the Crewe factory which Bentley now calls home.    

The Czech Collection Continental GT Convertible is finished in Thunder, a steely blue shade, recalling the Spitfire’s sky camouflage paint. Blackline specification, 22” wheels in Thunder and Grey and a Czech Squadron Collection fender badge complete the exterior. Inside, a bespoke colour split features Imperial Blue secondary hide, Cognac main hide and Brunel accent hide. The door armrest lower panels and seatbacks are trimmed in herringbone charcoal tweed, while the bright tint engine spin fascia and console continue the ‘technical’ design ambience as a stunning showcase for Mulliner’s craft skills. The bespoke treadplates feature a profile of the RAF’s Merlin-powered Spitfire with the 310 Squadron motto ‘We fight to rebuild’ while the laser-etched headrests reproduce the 310 Squadron insignia in minute detail.

Czech Collection Bentayga: Squadron 311

The proud motto of the No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF, ‘Never regard their numbers’, can be found on the treadplate of the Czech Squadron Collection Bentayga, while its squadron insignia is precisely laser etched on each of four headrests. 311 Squadron was the RAF’s only Czech-manned medium and heavy bomber squadron, flying Wellington and B-24 Liberator aircraft. The profile of the Wellington features on the rear treadplates, while the B-24 Liberator profile can be seen on the front treadplate.    

The Bentayga’s Cypress Green finish, Blackline specification brightwork and black painted wheels reflect the squadron’s wartime livery. A Czech Squadron Collection fender badge completes the exterior. The interior features a bespoke colour split of Autumn and Cumbrian Green, while the cockpit’s purposeful ambience is accentuated by the use of dark tint diamond brushed aluminium for the instrument panel, fascia and door veneers.

Czech Collection Continental GT: Squadron 312

Another Czech fighter squadron, No. 312 flew both Hurricanes and Spitfires, and it is the latter which features on the Continental GT’s bespoke treadplates, together with the squadron motto ‘Not many, but much’. Again, the laser etched headrests feature the intricate detail of the 312 Squadron insignia. The Continental GT’s sleek, low lines are accentuated by the stealth-fighter colour palette of Barnato solid green, Blackline specification and 22” ten-spoke wheels in Barnato and grey. The visual impact is of a powerful, functional machine – with clear echoes of the original RAF livery. A Czech Squadron Collection badge can be found on both front fenders. 

Inside, Beluga and Anthracite set the tone with flashes of Fern Green as an accent colour on the centre console, steering wheel and gear lever. The fascia and console are finished in dark tint engine spin, while herringbone charcoal tweed provides a tactile contrast for the door armrest lowers and seat speed accents.

Czech Collection Flying Spur: Squadron 313

Based at RAF Catterick, Squadron 313 was the last RAF squadron to be formed mostly of escaped pilots from the former Czechoslovakia. It flew Spitfires, which were on occasion fitted with additional 190-gallon ‘slipper’ tanks, enabling the squadron to fly further on escort missions. The Czech Squadron Collection Flying Spur is finished in a subtle duo-tone paint scheme of Cypress over Anthracite. Blackline specification, bespoke fender badges and 22” ten-spoke wheels in Cypress and Grey complete the exterior.

As with the exterior, the interior’s design palette is a tour-de-force of restrained yet harmonising colours and finishes. A bespoke colour split features Gondola Green as the main hide and Gravity Grey as the secondary hide, with Beluga as a third, accent colour. The Czech Collection Flying Spur is specified in four-seat configuration with a full-length centre console dividing the cabin. All veneered surfaces, including console, waistrails and fascia, are finished in open pore black stained Crown Cut Walnut. The headrests feature laser-etched Squadron 313 insignia front and rear, while the bespoke treadplates feature the Spitfire profile together with the squadron motto ‘One hawk chases many crows’.

Foundations of peace

Pyms Lane Crewe was opened in 1938 as a ‘shadow’ aircraft engine factory, producing the iconic 27-litre Merlin V12 aero engine. This engine became the mainstay of the RAF’s aircraft during the years of conflict, powering many aircraft including the Spitfire and Hurricane. In 1946 the factory turned to more peaceable purposes, and the first car to emerge from the factory gate was a Bentley Mk. VI. But the links between the two countries remained strong, and the Czech Squadron Collection is a celebration of the hope and heroism that can emerge in the darkest days. 

Bentley Czech Squadron collection