Rejoicing A 70-Year Anniversary, Unique Heritage Colours Revived By The Mulliner Division

Rejoicing in Bentley’s design department’s 70th anniversary, the Mulliner division has gone through their archive and identified a number of exterior paints dating back to the 1930s.

Providing a classic touch for the latest Bentleys, the team has discovered more than 15 colours that have been in their repertoire for over 50 years.

Interestingly, four of those colours, e.g., Dove Grey, Claret, Old English White and Oxford Blue, are available to order today.

These four hues that make up the Mulliner and Extended palette cover a 30-year cross-section, including a shade chosen from one of the most iconic Bentleys, the R Type Continental.

Detailing further, Dove Grey is one of Bentley's longest-standing colours and is part of the extended palette, dating back to the Derby-era Bentleys of the 1930s.

Next, the Claret is a rich dual-tone colour specially created for use on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Bentley. 

This unique shade was inspired by Royal Claret, the colour used on all Royal Bentleys since the 1940s and, its warm and solid tones give any car an impression of solidity.

Then comes the Old English White from the Mulliner palette that dates back to the 1950s. Exuding a solid white finish, it lends a timeless air to any car.

Last but not least, the Oxford Blue, which was first created in the 1960s and then re-launched as part of the Diamond Series in 1998. It is a solid colour and one of the darkest blues in the palette.

Notably, one of these unique commissioned colours can be found at Bentley’s Headquarters in Crewe on the brand’s latest addition to the press fleet, the Flying Spur V8.

The new press car uses Sage Green exterior paint from the 1950s, which provides a bold contrast with the Blackline specification giving it a distinctive outer appearance. 

Furthermore, it features a combination of Cumbrian Green and Portland colour splits for the leather interior that has been detailed with a carbon fibre technical finish.

As for the Blackline specification, it includes the iconic Flying B mascot, radiator vanes, matrix grilles, side window surrounds, and lower door and rear bumper blades. 

That’s not all, the front and rear light bezels, door handles, wing vents, and exhaust outlets also receive the same distinguished, darkened treatment.

Significantly, all the paints at Crewe are applied using skilled craftspeople, complemented by the latest robotic technology delivering the best possible finish on each vehicle.

In short, combining the art of colour with the science of paint, Bentley offers one of the largest colour palettes of any automotive manufacturer to create the ultimate bespoke luxury vehicle.