Bentley Mulliner highlights 4 heritage colors to celebrate 70th year

The Mulliner team of European luxury marque Bentley has identified four hues that are considered timeless as they have been used as far back as the 1930s.

Based on the team research in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of its design department at Crewe, these four colors (which are still available to this day) are Dove Grey, Claret, Old English White and Oxford Blue, providing a classic touch on contemporary models.

The four paint colors, which form part of the Mulliner and Extended palette, cover a 30-year cross-section including a shade being chosen from the era of one of the most iconic Bentleys – the R Type Continental.

• Dove Grey. One of Bentley's longest-standing paints and part of the extended color palette, this color dates back to Derby-era Bentleys of the 1930s.
• Claret. Specifically created for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Bentley, this rich duo-tone shade was inspired by Royal Claret; the color used on all Royal Bentleys since the 1940s.
• Old English White. This hue dates back to the 1950s. Part of the Mulliner palette, this solid white finish “lends a timeless air to any car.”
• Oxford Blue. One of the darkest blues in the palette was created in the 1960s. The shade was re-launched as part of the Diamond Series in 1998.

Aside from that, the Mulliner team has also found out that more than 15 colors have already been in service for over five decades. One of these unique commissioned hues can be found at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, where the latest addition to the press fleet can be found: a Flying Spur V8 in Sage Green.

In a statement, Bentley shared that a new Flying Spur V8 press car uses Sage Green exterior paint from the 1950s that “provides a bold contrast with the Blackline specification giving a subtle but distinctive exterior appearance.”

The statement added, “The color split of the leather interior, Cumbrian Green and Portland, has been specified with carbon fiber technical finish, offering a more modern interior.” 

Further, all of the paints at Crewe are applied by hand spraying, complemented by the latest robotic technology. The company noted that it also has one of the largest color palettes than any automotive manufacturer. “All of the paints at Crewe are applied using skilled craftspeople with the latest technology to deliver the ultimate bespoke luxury vehicle,” it noted.

Photos from Bentley

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