AUTOMOTIVE
Bentley ’ s presence at Monterey Car Week has been designed to be COVID-safe , and will be compliant to all CDC guidelines throughout the week .
A Bentley Mulliner Showcase
As part of a programme of nine model introductions this year , Monterey saw the launch of a new member of the exquisite Bentley Mulliner Collections portfolio , that took place at the Home of Bentley in Monterey on the afternoon of Thursday 12 August .
Alongside the new model , the engineering cars for two significant Bentley Mulliner programmes appeared together for the first time , both in their Americas debut . The Bentley Mulliner Bacalar – a completely bespoke and highly exclusive barchetta , and the first member of the Coachbuilt portfolio – featured alongside the first example of the world ’ s first pre-war continuation project , the Blower Continuation Series .
Each project was represented by its respective “ Car Zero ”, the engineering development cars which have each covered thousands of kilometres in testing . Bacalar Car Zero has been retrimmed especially for Monterey Car Week and is now resplendent in a newly commissioned colour – Scarab Green – and appeared at The Quail , on the roads around the Peninsula during the event , and on the Concept Lawn for the Pebble Beach Concours d ’ Elegance on Sunday 15 August .
Meanwhile , Blower Car Zero – the launch member of the Classic portfolio - has deliberately retained the patination from its durability programme , proudly wearing its development mileage . Finished in gloss black with Oxblood red leather , the Blower will be display at The Quail , and the Home of Bentley , and was also seen driving in the area throughout Monterey Car Week .
Customer-ordered Bacalars and Blowers are now in build , with both series strictly limited to 12 examples and both entirely sold out . The attendance of these special Bentley Mulliner models meant that all three Mulliner portfolios – Classic , Coachbuilt and Collections - appeared together for the first time .
The Home of Bentley
The Home of Bentley in Monterey – just 200 metres from The Lodge at Pebble Beach – was once again the hub of Bentley ’ s activities on the peninsula . A display of the current model range was refreshed every day and sat alongside a stunning visual exhibition of Bentley ’ s sustainability strategy with the bio-fuelled Continental GT3 Pikes Peak race car at its centre .
The Unifying Spur – Bentley ’ s physical representation of its groundbreaking diversity and inclusion strategy as part of Beyond100 – was also be featured throughout the event . Wrapped in artwork by designer Rich Morris , the car is a celebration of diversity of all types , and a physical representation of Bentley ’ s target to have 30 per cent diversity in management roles by 2025 .
New Bentley partner , The Macallan was also be present , serving tastings of exceptional whiskies for those guests not driving . Naim Focal , Luxury Living and a dedicated Bentley Boutique offering the finest gifts and accessories was also feature at the Home , along with a dedicated Commissioning Suite for customers to specify any car from the Bentley range . Customers and guests could also enjoy a test drive in a comprehensive selection of Bentleys , available from the Home .
Issue 48 2021 The Art of Luxury
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