Crafted at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, Ombre by Mulliner exhibits extraordinary skill and patience from the marque’s master craftsmen. The process begins with contrasting hues applied to the front and rear of the car, before technicians meticulously transition between the two using traditional paint-mixing methods. The result is a flawless fade that delivers both visual drama and balance.
Debuting on a bespoke Continental GT Speed, the technique is offered in three carefully curated colour combinations, available exclusively through Bentley’s global dealer network. Ombre by Mulliner is a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation, artistry, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Mastering the Gradient
The process begins with the vehicle sprayed in contrasting colours at opposite ends. Technicians then apply carefully tinted intermediate shades in stages, sculpting the signature Ombre effect that flows seamlessly from front to rear. Two specialists work in tandem throughout, their combined expertise essential to achieving the precise balance of pigments.
Given the complexity of blending two distinct paint formulations, the available colour combinations have been thoughtfully curated by Bentley’s bespoke division. Each hue behaves differently during application, requiring technicians to adapt their methods continuously over the course of the meticulous process. This careful selection ensures a uniform, gradual transition between opposing shades, resulting in a finished car that is at once singular and perfectly cohesive.
The Continental GT Speed Debuts in Stunning Ombre
The debut of this revolutionary technique appears on a new Continental GT Speed, unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week. The showcase vehicle presents a striking transition from Topaz at the front to Windsor Blue at the rear, with the gradient most pronounced along the centre section, tracing the natural line of the rear haunch.
Even the 22-inch ten-spoke swept wheels reflect the body’s colour scheme, with Topaz finishing at the front and Windsor Blue at the rear. This attention to detail extends throughout every element of the exterior, creating a cohesive design statement that flows seamlessly from nose to tail. The fade follows the angle of the rear haunch line, emphasising the car’s natural proportions whilst adding visual drama.
Mulliner’s Signature Interior Design
The Bespoke Studio has applied the same graduated approach to the cabin, seamlessly connecting exterior and interior themes. Bespoke Topaz hide adorns the front seats, steering wheel, and instrument panel, gradually flowing into the centre console where it meets the darker Beluga tone at the rear of the cabin.
Satin Beluga painted veneers appear on the centre console, instrument panel and treadplate carriers, clearly visible when the doors open. A Dragonfly accent colour has been carefully selected to accentuate the piping and stitching throughout, while other surfaces adopt a more tactile approach, allowing colour to take precedence over texture.
Tradition Reimagined Through Technology
Beyond visuals, the interior features the manufacturer’s Rotating Display, the Naim audio system, and the Dark Chrome Interior Specification introduced for the fourth generation Continental GT. These modern appointments complement the traditional craftsmanship evident in every hand-finished surface, creating an environment where cutting-edge technology sits alongside time-honoured techniques.
The three paint fade combinations introduced through Mulliner are now available to order through the global retailer network, following the technique’s reveal as a personal commission in Monterey. Each application is inherently unique due to the handcrafted process, with every vehicle revealing a unique interpretation of the gradient, true to Mulliner’s craft.
Since W.O. Bentley founded the company in 1919, more than 2,000 dedicated colleagues have carried forward the tradition of designing and crafting extraordinary cars from the finest materials. The marque continues to push boundaries through innovations in technology, materials, fuels, and craftsmanship, while its Beyond100+ strategy charts a bold course toward becoming an exclusively electric brand by 2035.