Bentley's Mulliner Olympia Collection: A Masterpiece of Automotive Artistry and Heritage
Bentley's exclusive Mulliner division has revealed its latest marvel: the Olympia Collection. This limited series of 12 Continental GT vehicles serves as a centennial tribute to the 1926 Olympia Motor Show, where the Bentley 6 ½ Litre was first showcased as a complete coachbuilt automobile. Each of these bespoke grand tourers undergoes a meticulous customization process, highlighting extraordinary craftsmanship and a deep reverence for the brand's storied past, particularly the iconic six-cylinder engine that powered the Speed Six to victory at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930.
The creation of these special edition Continental GTs involves an extensive hand-finishing process, with the paint application alone demanding over two full working days per car. The Mulliner team focuses intensely on delivering a finish that is both visually stunning and historically resonant. The collection is characterized by its reliance on aged aesthetics, premium leather, and design elements that evoke the era of the original Olympia debut, rather than any performance enhancements under the hood. This dedication to artisanal detail underscores Bentley's commitment to luxury and bespoke motoring experiences.
The genesis of this collection traces back to W.O. Bentley's innovative spirit, particularly his response to the challenges posed by heavier coachwork on his initial 3 Litre model, introduced in 1921. The subsequent 6 ½ Litre, first seen as a chassis in 1925 before its full unveiling a year later at Olympia, demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to automotive design. The Olympia Collection directly honors this pivotal moment, capturing the essence of that historic presentation a century later. The original 6 ½ Litre's prowess was first proven on the Brooklands circuit, and its engine later became the heart of the formidable Speed Six.
A standout feature of the Olympia Collection is the unique Ombré by Mulliner paint finish. This intricate gradient transitions seamlessly from a vibrant Verdant green at the front of the car to a deep Midnight Emerald towards the rear. Bentley proudly states that its highly skilled paint technicians dedicate a remarkable 56 hours to achieve this flawless blend on each vehicle. This is a testament to the unparalleled level of detail and precision involved, far surpassing the time required for a standard paint job. The seamless integration of these distinct greens across every panel necessitates multiple applications and expert hand-corrections.
The luxurious interior of each Olympia Collection Continental GT is a harmonious blend of Coach Green and Cumbrian Green leather, arranged in a custom split. This sophisticated upholstery is complemented by a heritage-patinated finish, meticulously designed to emulate the appearance of beautifully aged materials. Further enhancing the cabin's allure are elements such as black-stained open-pore crown-cut walnut veneer, exquisitely diamond-knurled controls, and subtle Champagne Gold accents, completing a trim package that exudes refined elegance. Each vehicle is delivered with a bespoke car cover, a commemorative book detailing its heritage, a special handover box, and an individually numbered Brooklands watch. The watch's strap is crafted from the same Coach Green leather found within the car's interior, providing a cohesive and exclusive touch. Bentley has chosen to highlight the collection's exceptional artistry and material quality, without specifying any changes to the powertrain, performance statistics, or regional pricing details for these limited-edition models.