Press Release: Heritage Leather, first developed by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house
personal commissioning division, for the Continuation reincarnations of
the Blower and Speed Six, can now be specified on Bentley’s latest
models. Supplied by Bridge of Weir, the Heritage Leather gives the
interior of a modern Bentley the look and feel of one from the 1930s
with a two-tone finish and haircell grain. It is offered currently in
two colours traditional for the period and identified in original
records of historic Bentleys: Ox Blood Red, and Parsons Napier Green.
To
showcase this new tailoring option, Bentley commissioned for itself an
example of the latest fourth generation Bentley Continental GT Mulliner
to mirror the Factory Works Speed Six Continuation Series. Though
separated by 95 years of evolution, if only two years of development,
both cars are finished in the same Bedford Grey exterior paint, and
feature Heritage Leather upholstery in Ox Blood red.
During the
development and testing of the Blower Continuation Series, the hide
provided the best tactility and authentic manufacturing techniques for
the development of Mulliner’s continuation series, delivering the same
durability rating as found in today’s modern Bentley.
A select
few colours, traditional for the period of the 1920’s and 1930’s were
identified in original records of specifications (such as Vanden Plas)
studied at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. These include, Ox
Blood Red and Parsons Napier Green.
With many Cricklewood-era
and pre-war Bentleys still sporting their original upholstery, the
enduring qualities of leather make it a truly sustainable natural
material. A Bentley’s upholstery doesn’t wear out; it wears in.
Staying
faithful to the upholstery techniques of the 1920s and 1930s, the seats
in the Factory Works Speed Six are fluted, while the door inners
feature a simple embossed B emblem. In contrast, the Continental GT’s
interior showcases the full range of skills offered by Mulliner,
including quilted and embroidered seat uppers, diamond patterned
perforations, contrast embroidery and piping.
In the era of the
original Speed Six, leather upholstery was often treated with natural
oils, waxes, or even varnishes to achieve a smooth, glossy surface.
Mulliner worked with its suppliers to replicate this higher sheen on
the hide for the two matched Bentleys. Subtle variations of shade also
help to create the visual impression of age-patinated leather.
Bridge
of Weir have provided for the automotive industry for over a century,
and produce the world’s lowest carbon leather thanks to their
responsible sourcing, 100% traceability and innovative circular
manufacturing process, which contributes to an independently verified
Life Cycle Analysis score of 8kg CO2e/m2 on average, the lowest in the
world published for leather.
Bentley Motors works closely with
its suppliers to ensure that they adhere to rigorous environmental
standards, including responsible water and energy use, waste management,
and chemical control. The company’s craft teams treat this natural
material with respect and the result of their work can be expected to
last for decades, or perhaps even a century. As an upholstery material
leather is sustainable, durable and above all beautiful – qualities it
shares with every Bentley.
More info here.
