A colour reborn from Bentley’s heritage
In the world of Bentley, colour is more than a finish, it’s an expression of character. This October, a UK-based client commissioned a Continental GTC Speed unlike any other: finished in the historic and vivid tone of Violette, a rare blue-purple hue resurrected from Bentley’s archives. The result is a contemporary masterpiece, one that bridges heritage with individuality, and tradition with audacity. First seen decades ago, Violette has returned to the Crewe Paint Shop as part of Bentley’s ongoing celebration of personalisation and artistic revival. Thanks to Bentley’s master colour archive, any shade from the marque’s history can be remastered by its skilled artisans, ensuring each commission reflects its owner’s unique vision. Recent revivals like Sage Green from the 1950s, Shell Grey from the 1960s, and Rubino Red from the 2000s show the growing appetite among clients for reinterpreted heritage tones. For this commission, the vibrant Violette finish is paired with Gloss Black brightware, darkened Bentley badges, and a seven-layer canvas roof with a dark grey metallic weave, elements that balance the exuberant colour with modern sophistication. The result is a car that radiates individuality, with every surface designed to evoke emotion and presence.
A client of distinct taste and vision
The Vibrant in Violette Continental GTC Speed was created for a long-standing Bentley enthusiast, a collector whose passion for the marque is matched only by his love of expression. His personal fleet already includes six Bentaygas, one in Magenta, and a Continental GT in Scarab Green, demonstrating a deep appreciation for Bentley’s blend of craftsmanship and performance. For him, Bentley ownership has never been about convention. Instead, it’s a statement of freedom, a chance to co-create something truly personal. His commitment to the marque extends beyond ownership; this summer, he experienced Bentley’s motorsport heritage first-hand as a passenger in the Speed Six Continuation Series at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a modern recreation of the most successful Bentley racing car of its era. That same spirit of daring individuality has been carried through to the Violette commission, a car that turns every journey into a celebration of artistry and passion.
An interior defined by colour and craftsmanship
Inside, the Continental GTC Speed continues the story of Violette through an interior palette that is as bold as it is refined. Mulliner’s bespoke craftsmanship brings together a tri-tone combination of Tanzanite Purple, Linen, and Lilac, a symphony of shades that perfectly mirrors the exterior’s vibrancy. Tanzanite Purple envelops the centre console, steering wheel, door panels, and seat backs, while Linen leather softens the overall tone, offering contrast and warmth. The use of Lilac accents, from the gear lever to the steering wheel’s straight-ahead marker, adds depth and continuity throughout the cabin. Every stitch, seam, and piping detail reflects Mulliner’s philosophy of precision and personal expression. Perhaps the most striking element is the use of Stone Veneer, one of Bentley’s most distinctive interior materials. Crafted from 200-million-year-old stone and refined to a thickness of just 0.1 mm, it combines ancient natural beauty with modern craftsmanship. Available in hues such as Autumn, Copper, Galaxy, and Terra Red, the material lends a tactile, organic texture that contrasts beautifully with the supple hides and polished metals. Completing the cabin is Bentley’s Rotating Display, the immersive Naim for Bentley audio system, and the Dark Chrome Interior Specification, a design theme first introduced with the fourth-generation Continental GT. Each element contributes to a cabin that feels deeply personal yet unmistakably Bentley, a perfect harmony of technology, texture, and tone.
Mulliner: The art of individuality
Behind this extraordinary commission stands Mulliner, Bentley’s legendary bespoke division and the oldest coachbuilder in the world. Its role goes beyond crafting luxury; it is about shaping identity. More than 70% of Bentley owners now include at least one Mulliner feature in their specification, reflecting a growing desire for self-expression through craftsmanship. From reviving forgotten colours like Violette to mastering new materials such as Stone Veneer, Mulliner’s artisans, trained by Bentley’s Master Trainers, uphold a standard of skill and imagination that defines the brand’s DNA. The Vibrant in Violette Continental GTC Speed stands as a perfect embodiment of that philosophy: bold, personal, and timelessly elegant. It’s more than a car, it’s a portrait of its owner’s confidence and creativity, painted in a hue that connects Bentley’s past with its ever-evolving present.
