The International Club for Rolls Royce and Bentley enthusiasts celebrates 80 years of production at

• Mulliner-curated Continental GT Azure celebrates 80 years of Bentley production at Crewe
• Bespoke specification inspired by Heritage Collection Mark VI, a coachbuilt two-tone 4 ¼ litre built by H.J. Mulliner

• Bentley Mark VI was the first Crewe-built Bentley: production spanned 1946 to 1951
• A total of 4,001 Mark VI models were produced, becoming Bentley’s most successful model of its era On the 29th of August, the RREC – the International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiasts will celebrate Bentley’s 80 years of production, at the British Motor Museum. Cars brought by members from across the globe will be on display, representing Crewe built heritage from the 1946 Mark VI through to the newest Continental GT. In tribute, Mulliner’s skilled designers and artisans have created a unique Continental GT Azure, thoughtfully curated in homage to the two-tone green and black Mulliner-bodied Mark VI that forms an important part of Bentley’s Heritage Collection.

Both cars will be displayed together at the event, uniting two defining chapters in Bentley’s story. While eight decades separate them, each embodies the enduring values that have shaped the marque throughout its history: effortless performance, exceptional comfort and the finest British craftsmanship. The result is a compelling celebration of Bentley’s past, present and future.

Curated colour palette

The Continental GT Azure is finished in solid Barnato Green, paired with a Mulliner Black contrasting roof that echoes the distinctive appearance of its historic predecessor. Azure exterior brightware is complemented by the carbon-fibre Styling Specification, creating a striking balance between heritage and modernity. Black-painted and bright-machined 22-inch ten-spoke wheels complete the exterior, accented by black brake calipers and self-levelling Bentley ‘B’ wheel badges. Classic inspiration

Considered the height of luxury in 1946, the Mark VI Bentley was trimmed in Connolly leather, walnut veneer and wool pile carpet while practical enhancements such as an improved heater and demister aided its grand tourer credentials. The Mulliner Continental GT Azure stays true to the thematic colours of the Heritage Collection Mark VI, while offering driver and passengers the last word in wellness technology.

The deep, rich red of Cricket Ball main hide is matched with Beluga secondary hide, creating the visual ambience of a classic Bentley interior. However, the upholstery’s contrast stitching and piping, embroidered Azure emblems, diamond quilting and perforations are a showcase for exquisite craftmanship beyond anything achievable 80 years ago.

In a nod to the burr walnut dashboard of the Mark VI, the Continental GT Azure features a dark stained burr walnut over Grand Black piano veneer, separated by a chrome pinstripe that extends across the fascia and into the waistrails. Bentley’s Rotating Display allows the driver to select between high-definition touchscreen, traditional analogue dials or plain veneer, the latter two creating a fitting interior ambience for a vehicle conceived in celebration of Bentley’s past.

Other specification highlights include front seat Comfort and Wellness specifications, air ioniser and a concert-standard Naim for Bentley audio system. As a bespoke finishing touch, the treadplates feature graphic outlines of the Mark VI and Continental GT inscribed ‘Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of production in Crewe, 1946-2026’. The Heritage Collection Bentley Mark VI

Constructed in 1938 to build the iconic Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engines, the Pyms Lane factory began a new chapter as a car factory in 1946. The first vehicle to roll off the production lines was a Bentley Mark VI, which was offered either with the J.P. Blatchley-designed standard steel bodyshell or as a rolling chassis for independent coachbuilders.

Powered by a six cylinder 4,257cc B60 engine, the Mark VI was both powerful and reliable, often achieving over 100,000 miles (161,000km) without major overhaul. In an era of austerity, the Mark VI found a ready audience for its air of understated elegance. By the end of production in 1951, 4,001 had been built, of which 3,171 featured the standard steel body.

The two-tone green and black Mark VI in the Heritage Collection is one of 241 coachbuilt four-door, six-light saloons created by H.J. Mulliner, then an independent coachbuilder. It was delivered in January 1950 to its first owner, William Lount of Alabastine Co Ltd. It joined the Heritage Collection in 2021.
Photo credit: Bentley
Posted on Autotech-plus.com

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