The Olympia Collection by Mulliner comprises 12 bespoke Continental GTs, inspired by an impromptu 1924 roadside race between Walter Owen Bentley and a rival prototype in France, Wanted Online reported. Mulliner’s commemorative vehicles feature an ombré green exterior finish and vintage-inspired cockpit details.
How a 1924 French Roadside Race Sparked Twelve Modern Bentleys
In 1924, Walter Owen Bentley was driving through the French countryside with three colleagues, putting a new six-cylinder prototype through its paces, Wanted Online reported. The group encountered a test team from a rival car manufacturer near a junction between Lyon and Dieppe. The two prototypes engaged in an impromptu race along a tree-lined straight at speeds exceeding 129km/h.
While Bentley crossed the finish line ahead of the rival vehicle, the company founder remained unsatisfied with the margin of victory. Back in England, he expanded the engine displacement from 4.5 litres to 6.5 litres to ensure the brand stayed ahead of competitors. Two years after that chance encounter, the resulting 6.5-litre vehicle debuted at the 1926 Olympia Motor Show in London.
What Defines the Mulliner Olympia Collection Design
The Olympia Collection by Mulliner features just 12 individually numbered Continental GTs. Each vehicle pairs modern luxury appointments with historical nods to the 1926 production model and WO Bentley’s famous drive.
Mulliner developed a bespoke ombré paint finish that transitions gradually from Verdant to Midnight Emerald across the bodywork. This intricate paint application requires 56 hours of meticulous labor. Champagne Gold detailing on the badges, lower body pinstripe, and 22-inch wheels recalls the spoked wheels found on early 1920s racing cars.
Opening the car door activates an animated welcome light that projects an illustration of the historical Lyon-to-Dieppe route onto the ground. The interior cabin pairs Coach Green leather seats with a patinated finish alongside Cumbrian Green secondary hides. Black-stained, open-pore crown-cut walnut trims the dashboard, while Champagne Gold accents highlight the gear selector and organ-stop ventilation controls.
What Keepsakes Accompany Each Bespoke Continental GT
Buyers purchasing one of the 12 limited-edition vehicles receive a selection of commissioned items tailored specifically to the collection. Each car includes a mechanical chronograph produced by Brooklands Watch Co, numbered to match the vehicle and fitted with a matching Coach Green leather strap.
The timepiece incorporates two interchangeable tachymeter bezels modeled after the Outer Circuit and Double Twelve Circuit at Brooklands. Owners also receive a commemorative book detailing the collection’s history, a handcrafted presentation box, and a green car cover featuring Champagne Gold detailing. Bentley has not disclosed pricing for the Olympia Collection.
