Mulliner – Bentley’s bespoke division – has partnered with jewelry house Boodles to release a one-of-one Continental GTC that showcases the time-honored crafts of the two British heritage brands, both of which can trace their roots to the 18th century.
The result of a nearly year-long collaboration, the Boodles Continental GTC celebrates the painstaking artistry that has come to define the family-owned jewelry brand since its inception in Liverpool in 1798.
The vehicle’s elegant exterior is notably understated, finished in Bentley’s dark gray Anthracite, but more opulent nods to Boodles sneak in – for example, a pinstripe line of Boodles’ signature Powder Pink that traces the front and rear spoilers, as well as the front fender badge emblazoned with ‘Boodles 1798.’ The ground-illuminating door lights shine the jewelry brand’s logo, too.
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Intended to reference the anticipation of opening up a Boodles jewelry box, the vehicle’s interior reveals more surprises. Elevating the primary Linen upholstery are more flashes of Boodles’ dusty Powder Pink, used as an accent color on the steering wheel tab, inner door pockets and console side pocket lowers, as well as the seat piping.
Closer inspection reveals a hand-stitched interlocking ‘Be Boodles’ motif across the upper seat backs and door panels, which accumulatively required 278,566 stitches and took over six hours to complete.
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The real highlight of the star-studded interior, however, is the one-of-a-kind 'Be Boodles Bentley' pendant which sits in the center console and features a pair of mirrored diamond-set B emblems, set in 18-karat single mine origin white gold.
The use of precious materials doesn’t stop there, either, with controls for the air vents ostentatiously plated in 24-karat gold. A pair of embroidered loose cushions; super-thin, 200-million-year-old Autumn Stone veneer panels; and ‘one of one’ engraved treadplates complete the offering.
The Bentley Mulliner Boodles Continental will be shown on April 11, 2024, at London’s Jack Barclays dealership, where it will be on sale.