Bentley Adds Incredible “Heritage Leather” to Its Mulliner Personal Commissioning
Bentley Heritage Leather
Bentley brings a historic look and feel of the landmark Bentleys of the past to the modern era through Mulliner and the addition of Heritage Leather
Bentley is bringing touches of the past, Blower and Speed Six, to the modern with the addition of Heritage Leather through Mulliner. The leather, supplied by Bridge of Weir, gives modern Bentleys the look and feel of one from the 1930s with a two-tone finish and haircell grain. It will be available in two traditional colors for the time period and have been identified in original records of Historic Bentleys: Ox Blood Red, and Parsons Napier Green.
Bentley Heritage Leather
Bentley Heritage Leather
During the development and testing of the Blower Continuation Series, the hide proved to be the best tactility and most authentic manufacturing technique for developing Mulliner’s continuation series. It delivered the same durability rating as today’s modern Bentley.
The two colors, Ox Blood Red and Parsons Napier Green, are traditional for the 1920s and 1930s and were identified in the original records of specifications (such as Vanden Plas) studied at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
As is the case with many Cricklewood-era and pre-war Bentleys still sporting their original upholstery, leather's lasting qualities make it one of the most sustainable natural materials. It has been proven over decades to last and, as Bentley puts it, “doesn’t wear out; it wears in.”
Bentley Heritage Leather
The seats in the Factory Works Speed Six are fluted and feature a simple embossed B emblem in the door inners to stay faithful to the upholstery techniques of the 1920s and 1930s. This is contrasted with the techniques in the modern Continental GT, which draws inspiration from the past but uses Mulliner’s modern skills to include quilted and embroidered seat uppers, diamond-patterned perforations, contrast embroidery, and piping.
Back in the original Speed Six era, leather upholstery was often treated with natural oils, waxes, and sometimes varnishes to achieve a smooth, glossy finished surface. To replicate this look, Mulliner worked with its suppliers to replicate this high sheen and add subtle variations of shade to help create the visual impression of age-patined leather.
Bentley Heritage Leather
Bentley Heritage Leather
Bentley Heritage Leather supplier Bridge of Weir has been supplying the automotive industry for over a century and produces the world’s lowest carbon leather due to its responsible sourcing, 100% traceability, and innovative circular manufacturing process. This has resulted in an independently verified Life Cycle Analysis score of 8kg CO2e/m2 on average, the lowest in the world of published leather.
As part of its aggressive eco-friendly manufacturing goals, Bentley Motors works closely with its suppliers to meet its rigorous environmental standards, including responsible water and energy usage, waste management, and chemical control. Leather is an incredibly sustainable, durable, and beautiful upholstery material —qualities that Bentley notes its motorcars all share.
Bentley Heritage Leather
Bentley Heritage Leather