Inside each of the 100 limited
edition Mulsannes, a slice of the original crankshaft taken from W.O. Bentley’s
personal 8 Litre car decades ago – the last model he designed for Bentley
Motors back in 1930 – is displayed.
As Bentley approaches its
centenary in 2019, Mulliner designers reflected on the last 99 years of an
extraordinary British automotive story to imagine the new Mulsanne W.O. Edition.
In doing so, they have created a truly unique collector’s item.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition can
be specified on any of the three-model Mulsanne range, based on customer
preference. Key features include a colour split interior cut from Heritage Hide
reflecting the patina of vintage cars, elegant Beluga black wheels, and a
stunning cocktail cabinet or bottle cooler featuring a slice of W.O.’s own 8
Litre crankshaft set into the armrest.
This special model will make
its public debut at Monterey Car Week in California USA in late August, with
customer deliveries commencing in 2019 – Bentley’s centenary year.
The interior displays a range
of exquisite features inspired by luxury living in the 1930s – key to which is
the Mulliner illuminated cocktail cabinet. A marquetry scene on the handcrafted
unit – depicting the geometric front matrix grille and headlight of the 8 Litre
– reveals a display window, inside which a piece of the crankshaft from W.O.
Bentley’s own 8 Litre car is showcased. Just below the machined metal display
case is an inscription detailing the significance of the Bentley artefact.
To create the marquetry scene,
a number of different veneers and materials were used. Four different wood
types give contrast and depth to the piece, while aluminium is used to achieve
the highlights, signature and geometric pattern. The diamond-like borders that
run parallel to each side add to the contemporary look while retaining an art
deco feel. The piece is finished with W.O.’s signature.
An interior colour split made
from luxurious Fireglow Heritage and Fireglow hide is complemented further by
Beluga hide detailing and blind stitching. Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer
extends to the minor gauge panel, steering wheel rim and other areas. The
Mulsanne is finished with Fireglow lambswool rugs, glass tumblers, privacy
curtains to the rear doors, and a rear seat entertainment system.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition
further enhances its formidable road presence with Onyx paintwork (although
customers can specify other colours from Bentley’s extensive pallet), chrome
bonnet strip and graceful Flying B Mascot atop the optional chrome radiator
shell and grille. A discreet W.O. Bentley signature badge is displayed on the
lower bumper, while special centenary badging adorns the self-levelling wheel
centres and door treadplates.
Source:
Bentley Motors