The ‘Expressions of Texture’ Collection: a unique showcase for the Mulliner bespoke studio [Photo Gallery]

 ‘Expressions of Texture’, a collection of four Continental GT Speed Convertibles, provides a visual and tactile showcase for the creative possibilities offered by the Mulliner bespoke studio. The Collection was a co-creation between Bentley Rancho Mirage and the Mulliner bespoke team, each side inspiring the other to greater heights of creativity. 

All four models are specified in satin paint from Mulliner’s exclusive colour palette, with each finish taking up to 55 hours of painstaking craftsmanship. Other exceptional features include wafer thin 200-million-year-old stone veneers and bespoke, blind embossed, upholstery whose design reflects the landscapes of the Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley.

Reflections of landscape
The desert resort city of Rancho Mirage is set amid the varied and spectacular landscapes of the Coachella Valley, with arid desert, vivid greenery and rugged, age-weathered mountains all within easy driving distance. This variety provided the inspiration for the team at Bentley Rancho Mirage, expressed through the specifications of the four Continental GT Speed Convertible models in the Expressions of Texture Collection.

The clear, star-studded night skies of the Coachella Valley inspired a Continental GT Speed Convertible in Peacock Blue satin, the exterior subtly enhanced by a tri-tone carbon fibre Styling Specification featuring satin carbon fibre, Electro Blue and Peacock Blue. For the interior, a two-tone fascia in Peacock Blue satin is paired with Slate stone veneer and divided by an Electro Blue pinstripe, the same colour outlining the bullseye air vent vanes and headrests. Other exquisite details include Serenity quilting on the seat uppers and tonneau cover.

The rippling, fluid forms of sand dunes sculpted by the desert wind are reflected in another model from the collection, finished in Ghost White Pearl satin with Tungsten wheels and featuring a Silver Tempest pinstripe. The blind quilting of the seat uppers and tonneau cover was created specifically for this model, over 100’s of hours, their flowing graphics inspired by the desert dunes. A fascia and console in Ghost White Pearl satin over Autumn Stone veneer is a masterclass in subtle sophistication.

The inspiration for a Havana satin Continental GT Speed Convertible came from the rugged mountains that surround the Coachella Valley and their earthy tones in the glow of the setting sun. The interior of Cognac and Burnt Oak hide is enhanced by bespoke, blind quilted seat backs and tonneau cover whose design represents the topographic features of California’s Death Valley. The same topographic map design is even carved in 3D on the floor mats, while the fascia and console feature the exterior finish of Havana satin over Copper Stone veneer, divided by a pinstripe in Bronze.

Adventures in colour, texture and form
All four models in the ‘Expressions of Texture’ Collection, which also includes a Continental GT Speed Convertible in British Racing Green satin, demonstrate that the choice of colour is just one element in the personal commissioning journey. The tactile softness of Dinamica upholstery, the cool touch of stone veneer and the yielding contours of quilting all offer customers a limitless palette of creative possibilities.

Mulliner’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Parker comments, “We hope that the Expressions of Texture Collection will inspire customers to explore the full range of possibilities offered by the Mulliner bespoke studio. At Mulliner our goal is to inspire possibilities beyond their imagination.”

Bentley Mulliner
Bentley Mulliner is the birthplace of coachbuilding – the oldest automotive coachbuilder in the world. As Bentley’s bespoke division, Bentley Mulliner responds to the requirements of Bentley’s most discerning customers, creating vehicles that are a true expression of their individuality. From special features and finishes to unique and limited-edition coachbuilt vehicles, the Mulliner name continues to represent the ultimate in Bentley design and craftsmanship.