The ‘Flying B’ may have over a century of history behind it, but for the past 80 years, Bentley Motors has called the UK town of Crewe its home.
To celebrate 80 years since the first Bentley rolled off the production line at Pyms Lane back in 1946, the company has revealed a one-off Continental GTC that honours the artisanship of its legendary ‘Dream Factory’.
The creation of the car was handled by Mulliner, its division which handles bespoke vehicle commissions, working together with the Bentley Paint Shop and the marque’s CMF/Bespoke teams.
Most notable of this car’s unique touches is the bespoke Supernova Purple Ombre paintwork, which transitions from Supernova Purple through to Supernova Purple Dark. Certainly, the complex finish demonstrates just what Bentley’s renowned Paint Shop is capable of producing.
Ensuring there’s no mistaking what occasion this car was created for, it features bespoke ‘80’ side graphics which employ a reverse ombré effect.
That theme continues through the cabin which has embroidered ‘80’ headrests and a bespoke airbrushed graphic on the dashboard fascia, depicting the iconic Design Studio building at Crewe.
This unique Continental GTC was presented at a meeting for members of the Bentley Drivers Club – itself marking its 90th anniversary – who brought 107 Bentleys to Crewe for a celebration of the brand’s history at the site.
From the EXP3, the first Bentley ever delivered to a customer, through to the 2025 Flying Spur Speed, the display featured vehicles from every era of the marque’s history, all of which were lined up along Pyms Lane in chronological production order.
“For 80 years, it is the extraordinary people of Crewe who have defined Bentley’s success,” explains Andreas Lehe, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing.
“Generation after generation, our colleagues have combined exceptional craftsmanship, passion and innovation to create some of the
world’s most desirable cars.
“As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we are equally focused on the future. Through our transformation into a next-generation Dream Factory, we are investing in world-class facilities, advanced technologies and sustainable manufacturing, ensuring that the unique skills and expertise of our people continue to set the benchmark for luxury automotive production for decades to come.”
