Bentley has introduced its Heritage Leather upholstery option on the newest Continental GT, blending the craftsmanship and aesthetic of the 1930s with modern luxury. This move celebrates 106 years of Bentley’s leather heritage, connecting its historic models with contemporary design through Mulliner, the brand’s personal commissioning division.
The Heritage Leather, supplied by Bridge of Weir, recreates the look and feel of pre-war Bentleys with a distinctive two-tone finish and haircell grain texture. The leather is available in two period-authentic colours, Ox Blood Red and Parsons Napier Green, both selected based on original Bentley records and archives from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. This choice reflects Bentley’s dedication to historical accuracy and attention to detail.
To demonstrate the new upholstery, Bentley commissioned a fourth-generation Continental GT Mulliner finished in Bedford Grey paint to match the Factory Works Speed Six Continuation model. Despite nearly a century of technological advancements separating the two vehicles, they share the same leather treatment and colour scheme, bridging the past and present.
The Heritage Leather draws on traditional manufacturing techniques used during the 1920s and 1930s, delivering exceptional tactility and durability comparable to that of modern luxury standards. The leather is treated to achieve a smooth, glossy surface reminiscent of historical finishes, while subtle colour variations simulate the patinated look of aged leather. These features highlight the skill of Bentley’s craft teams, who apply detailed quilting, embroidery, perforations, and embossing to the Continental GT’s interior, compared to the simpler designs of the original Speed Six.
Sustainability is a key component of Bentley’s leather sourcing and production. Bridge of Weir’s leather is recognised as the world’s lowest carbon leather, achieved through responsible sourcing, full traceability, and circular manufacturing processes. These efforts contribute to an independently verified low carbon footprint. Bentley works closely with its suppliers to maintain strict environmental standards, including water and energy efficiency, waste management, and chemical control.
Leather’s enduring quality is demonstrated by the many pre-war Bentleys that still retain their original upholstery after nearly a century. The material’s natural ability to ‘wear in’ rather than wear out makes it a sustainable and lasting choice for luxury automotive interiors. Bentley’s continued use of Heritage Leather exemplifies the brand’s commitment to combining tradition, craftsmanship and environmental responsibility in its vehicles.
