Bentley’s super convertible – Grand Convertible

Bentley has unveiled what it describes as “the most sophisticated and elegant convertible”, the Mulsanne-based Grand Convertible.

The entirely hand-built drop-top is said to be crafted from the very finest materials, and is the ultimate in powerful, sensuous roofless motoring.

Speaking at the car’s unveiling in Los Angeles, Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, said:

“This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways.

“We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car – if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece.”

Resplendent in Sequin Blue, originally a bespoke colour created from a single sequin from a customer’s haute couture gown, the Grand Convertible features a silver “liquid metal” finish to the bonnet and windscreen frame. Contrasting the rich blue body work is the Bentley directional wheel design, handed to the left and right sides of the car and finished by hand before being polished to a high shine.

The wheels hint at the enormous power and torque that wait under the bonnet. With 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque from Bentley’s legendary 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine of the flagship Mulsanne, the Grand Convertible promises the luxury of effortless performance to match its unparalleled style.

The cabin is crafted from 14 naturally tanned leather hides that are merged together with progressive-diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors in a cabin sized for four adults.

The Sequin Blue thread is cross-stitched by hand through the linen-coloured leather, with bright blue being used as a highlight. The light hide is contrasted by the sleek elegance of Beluga leather around the top of the doors and extending back to the rear tonneau, framed in polished chrome.

The tonneau itself provides the most significant example of Bentley craftsmanship at its finest. Replete with book-matched, mirror-finished and dark-stained Burr Walnut, the tonneau features the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. Fashioned entirely by hand, this expanse of veneer is said to be only paralleled by the creations of the world’s best furniture makers, and is finished with elegant parallel lines of chromed steel.