Updated 11:45 AM,Jun 23,2022
The Mulliner bespoke division at Bentley continues to experience significant growth in 2022, following the same upward trend seen in the previous year. Bespoke requests and exclusive content from Mulliner have increased by 200% since 2020, reaching an all-time high in the company’s history. On average, three Bentley vehicles are now produced daily featuring unique custom elements.
New features rooted in the early days of the Le Mans race include 18-karat gold vent controls shaped like trumpet bells—honoring the original Bentley Boys. This iconic finishing touch stands the test of time. The feature recently appeared on one of Mulliner's limited-edition models and can be added to any bespoke-designed Bentley interior. The Number 9 Edition by Mulliner pays tribute to Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin, a founding member of the historic Bentley Boys from the 1920s and 1930s. A keen enthusiast, investor, and racing driver, Birkin embodied pioneering spirit and ambition. Through close collaboration between man and machine, the legendary 4.5-liter Blower Bentley was born.
Other new features include additional open-pore wood veneer options inspired by the natural textures of stone. These latest finishes—Liquid Amber, Vavona, and Tamo Ash—offer more sustainable, open-pore surface treatments. All are finished with a super-fine matte lacquer that differs from traditional soft, glossy finishes, using 90% less lacquer.
The open-pore wood veneers are selected from the finest and most premium stock available. Each piece is hand-finished with only three layers of ultra-fine lacquer, totaling just 0.1 mm in thickness. In contrast, Bentley’s standard high-gloss lacquer measures 0.5 mm thick and delivers a soft, shiny finish. Each layer is applied by hand, with careful sanding between applications to ensure perfect adhesion to the wood’s natural grain. The final result resembles wax, beautifully highlighting the wood’s true color and natural grain structure.
The Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide offers a unique blend of classic and contemporary choices, tailored to meet the diverse and exceptional tastes of Bentley’s clientele. Customers can select exclusive colors for upholstery, lacquered wood trims, personalized interior embroidery, and tweed-trimmed door inserts to enhance both visual distinction and tactile experience within their Bentley. The latest edition now includes nine new designer proposals, providing a solid foundation for crafting truly unique vehicles.
Notably, the percentage of Bentleys featuring bespoke elements has risen from 2% in 2020 to 6% of total production today. Reviewing customer preferences reveals distinct trends across models: Bentayga owners seek greater exterior color individuality, Flying Spur customers prioritize Mulliner-specific features such as double-pattern wood veneers, while Continental GT buyers focus on specialized options from the Personal Commissioning Guide, including carbon fiber body detailing.
