Bentley Continental GT Convertible Mulliner Edition Official Images Released to Mark 80th Anniversary of Crewe Plant

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of full-vehicle production at Bentley's Crewe plant in the UK, Bentley's Mulliner bespoke division has unveiled a one-of-a-kind Continental GT Convertible commemorative model. This vehicle is not a production variant but a singular, globally unique creation crafted exclusively for the celebration — showcasing Bentley's hand-built craftsmanship and deep-rooted brand legacy.

Since launching its first production Bentley car in 1946, the Crewe facility has served as the core hub for the brand's design, R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. Originally built in 1938 as the Rolls-Royce Merlin aero-engine factory, it transitioned post-war into Bentley's global headquarters. Today, this historic site — bearing eight decades of automotive heritage — is undergoing a 'Dream Factory' upgrade: preserving traditional handcrafting techniques while integrating digital and flexible manufacturing systems, and preparing for the launch of Bentley's first all-electric model, the Torcal. The Torcal is scheduled for global debut in September 2026.

At the commemorative event, 107 classic and current Bentley models were lined up along Pym's Lane in chronological order of production — from the 1930s EXP3 prototype to the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Speed — spanning iconic eras including the Blower, Arnage, Mulsanne, and Bentley Bentayga. Several owners traveled from overseas specifically to attend.

The standout feature of this Continental GTC Mulliner edition is the Supernova Purple Ombre paint — a bespoke finish developed by Mulliner's paint team. The surface achieves a seamless optical gradient from vibrant purple to deep purple — no two-tone panel joins. A reverse-gradient '80' emblem adorns the side bodywork, and the wheels feature custom dual-tone painting. Inside, the front headrests are embroidered with '80', and the instrument panel is hand-painted with an image of the Crewe Design Studio building — distilling eight decades of vehicle manufacturing history into a single, elegant detail.

Andreas Lehe, Member of the Bentley Manufacturing Board, stated that the Crewe plant's continuous evolution stems from the synergistic advancement of artisanal craftsmanship, technological innovation, and sustainable manufacturing systems. The ongoing transformation supports not only current internal-combustion models but also ensures high-precision, premium-quality delivery of future electric vehicles.