Skip advert
Advertisement

Bentley Grand Convertible concept is set for production

Bentley has unveiled its most luxurious open-top car yet at the LA Motor Show, and told Auto Express that it will make production

Bentley surprised show goers in Los Angeles with the debut of its most luxurious open top car yet – the Bentley Grand Convertible. And within hours of it being unveiled, the company had enough interest from potential customers to make a very limited production run “more than likely” according to one insider.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mulsanne-based car features a 530bhp 6.75-litre V8 producing 1000Nm of torque under a silver ‘liquid metal’ bonnet. The rest of the bodywork is painted in Sequin Blue – originally a bespoke Bentley colour created from a sequin on a customer’s gown. The linen-coloured quilted leather covering the four seats features contrasting cross-stitching in the same Sequin Blue colour, while Beluga leather is used around the top of the doors and across the back of the car.

The tonneau cover features a hand-crafted, highly-polished piece of Burr Walnut – the largest veneer ever applied to a Bentley, while the car’s rear track has been widened to accommodate the workings of the powered fabric roof. The wheelbase has also been reduced by 150mm compared to a Mulsanne, with every body part from the A-pillar backwards unique to the Convertible.

Bentley boss, Wolfgang Dürheimer, said that the car “will be a highly exclusive, limited edition collector’s piece.” According to our insider, that means production will just about make it into double figures, with a price tag well in excess of even the £252,000 for the new Mulsanne Speed. He also confirmed that, due to the interest already in the car, Bentley’s engineers were examining ways to put the car into production.

With most potential customers likely to be based in California or in Florida, Bentley will also be showcasing its bespoke options in new design centres in LA and Miami. There customers will not only be able to discuss detailed options for the new Convertible, the brand will also encourage buyers of other Bentleys to move away from the traditional US buying model of taking something that is in stock to ordering something that is more bespoke.

Next stop for the Grand Convertible after the LA show will be Art Basel in Miami, an art show for modern and contemporary work, where the car will be introduced to more potential owners.

Read more about all the top cars at the LA Motor Show.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-in-chief

Steve Fowler has been editor-in-chief of Auto Express since 2011 and is responsible for all editorial content across the website and magazine. He has previously edited What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark leaves the brand to join rivals Aston Martin
Adrian Hallmark Bentley
News

Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark leaves the brand to join rivals Aston Martin

Adrian Hallmark replaces Amedeo Felisa at Aston Martin and will start the job 'no later than 1 October'
22 Mar 2024
Million-pound Bentley Batur inspires extravagant Ducati Diavel motorcycle
Ducati Diavel and Bentey Batur
News

Million-pound Bentley Batur inspires extravagant Ducati Diavel motorcycle

500 Ducati Diavel for Bentley bikes will be produced, with 50 more receiving extra special treatment from Bentley’s Mulliner coachbuilding division
8 Dec 2023
New Subaru Forester unveiled at LA Auto Show: new hybrid, old 4x4 toughness 
Subaru Forester - front tracking
News

New Subaru Forester unveiled at LA Auto Show: new hybrid, old 4x4 toughness 

More of the same for Subaru’s rugged 4x4, with hybrid and a raft of EVs to follow
17 Nov 2023
New Subaru Forester poised for big LA Motor Show reveal
Subaru Forester - wheel
News

New Subaru Forester poised for big LA Motor Show reveal

An all-new generation of Subaru’s mid-size SUV is nearing launch
10 Nov 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024