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.
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.
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