You Can Customize Your Bentley With Million-Year-Old Stones and Exotic Wood Veneers

British ultra luxury carmaker Bentley takes words like bespoke and coachbuilding very seriously and will go the extra mile to listen to their customers to see how they can create custom finishes and make their cars as exclusive and bespoke as possible. The brand continues this century-old tradition of bespoke coachbuilding and old-world artisan craftsmanship and very exclusive finishes into the 21st century and today incorporates it with sustainability and technical innovations. 

PGA Cars Chairman Roberto Coyiuto III and Bentley Manila managing director Christopher Chan

At the turn of the last century, Mulliner of England was arguably the finest coachbuilder of its time. The company originally produced saddles for horses in the 16th century and started building coaches in the 1800s. It made a significant switch in the 20th century by creating exquisitely handcrafted car bodies and cabins, each designed to meet their clients’ exacting requirements. By the 1920s, Mulliner was a leading coachbuilder, creating Bentley cars like the exquisite 1952 R-Type Continental. In 1959, Mulliner became part of Bentley and started handling the company’s personal commissioning division. 

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From choice of fabrics, wooden panels, leather, paint and even natural stone finishes and interior hardware, the possibilities are endless. Bentley customers are shown a multitude of options for those who desire a higher level of customization and entertains even the most exotic choice of materials whenever sourcing is possible. It maintains a huge library of Bentley veneers made possible by its team of wood experts, who scour the globe and go to great lengths to find specific tree varieties. The brand emphasizes that they only use what is ethically sourced and stringently tested to ensure it meets Bentley’s quality and sustainability standards.

Bentley makes sure only the finest hide clads the interior of its cars

Bentley is likewise very meticulous in the high-quality leather used throughout the cabin. Long before the hides reach its factory in Crewe, the process actually starts with cattle that graze at high altitudes in Northern Europe, where insect bites that cause blemishes are less likely to occur to ensure a flawless finish before the leather is taken to the tannery. Bentley says it uses a special tanning process follows, allowing the hides to retain their natural leather aroma, reminiscent of classic Bentley interiors. Sections of the hide with high natural elasticity are reserved for curved areas such as the seats, ensuring the ideal finish in every part of the cabin.

Bentley offers a near-endless selection of exotic veneers and finishes for a custom and bespoke interior that fits every owner's personality

Bentley also offers natural stone fascia as an option. This innovative interior finish uses state-of-the-art stone veneer technology to make a luxurious, contemporary feature and it even goes as far as using a 200-million-year-old stone for a special customer order. As the story goes, Bentley’s new luxury interior uses slate and quartzite stone imported from Rajasthan and Pradesh in India to create 0.1mm thick stone veneer in cars built by Mulliner. This new interior is an alternative to the more traditional wood and leather designs used in their car interiors. 

While the use of million-year-old natural stones for architectural finishes is not new, Bentley takes it to another level with modern and sustainable technology, slicing them into very thin veneer pieces and curing them with fiberglass then using bespoke resin. These are then shaped and hand-finished by the Mulliner coachbuilding team at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England. The resulting effect is that the stone surfaces of the veneers become very light and translucent, with very elegant grain and patterns.

Bentley's library of the most exotic wood finishes

Bentley Manila’s Mulliner program offers a range of products and services, from premium options that can be fitted to Bentley production cars as they are built to truly unique bespoke luxury cars such as the Bentley Bacalar and the latest Bentley Batur.

“Here’s what Mulliner brings to the table: It responds to the requirements of Bentley's most discerning customers,” said Bentley Manila Managing Director Christopher Chan during an afternoon tea with select media and VIPs. “Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the world of unparalleled craftsmanship with the Bentley Mulliner program. It pushes the boundaries of design, performance, and engineering in crafting Bentleys that are as thrilling to drive as they are captivating to behold.”

For those who opt for the Mulliner program, no request is too difficult to fulfill. From a simple monogrammed upholstery to elaborate tailored body modifications done exclusively by highly skilled Mulliner craftsmen, the Bentley brand delivers only the best.

“Driving a Bentley is a statement of success, but a Bentley Mulliner is a true expression of one’s individuality,” Chan said. “It's a car crafted to one’s desires, a testament to one’s discerning taste, and a legacy that will endure for generations.”

The Mulliner Program offers the start of the Bentley bespoke journey

Last weekend, PGA Cars and Bentley Manila staged the PGA World of Supercars at the North and South Court of Power Plant Mall. Among the vehicles on display was the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure, which is the brand’s extended wheelbase SUV model that features a pair of airline rear seats, which offers a 22-way adjustability, a world-first auto-climate sensing system, and postural adjustment technology, providing the ultimate in passenger comfort and relaxation.