CREWE (April 25, 2025) – Heritage Leather, first developed by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personal commissioning division, for the Continuation reincarnations of the Blower and Speed Six, can now be specified on Bentley’s latest models.  Supplied by Bridge of Weir, the Heritage Leather gives the interior of a modern Bentley the look and feel of one from the 1930s with a two-tone finish and haircell grain.  It is offered currently in two colors traditional for the period and identified in original records of historic Bentleys: Ox Blood Red, and Parsons Napier Green.

To showcase this new tailoring option, Bentley commissioned for itself an example of the latest fourth generation Bentley Continental GT Mulliner to mirror the Factory Works Speed Six Continuation Series. Though separated by 95 years of evolution, if only two years of development, both cars are finished in the same Bedford Grey exterior paint, and  feature Heritage Leather upholstery in Ox Blood red. 

During the development and testing of the Blower Continuation Series, the hide provided the best tactility and authentic manufacturing techniques for the development of Mulliner’s continuation series, delivering the same durability rating as found in today’s modern Bentley. 

A select few colors, traditional for the period of the 1920’s and 1930’s were identified in original records of specifications (such as Vanden Plas) studied at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. These include, Ox Blood Red and Parsons Napier Green. 

With many Cricklewood-era and pre-war Bentleys still sporting their original upholstery, the enduring qualities of leather make it a truly sustainable natural material. A Bentley’s upholstery doesn’t wear out; it wears in. 

Staying faithful to the upholstery techniques of the 1920s and 1930s, the seats in the Factory Works Speed Six are fluted, while the door inners feature a simple embossed B emblem. In contrast, the Continental GT’s interior showcases the full range of skills offered by Mulliner, including quilted and embroidered seat uppers, diamond patterned perforations, contrast embroidery and piping. 

In the era of the original Speed Six, leather upholstery was often treated with natural oils, waxes, or even varnishes to achieve a smooth, glossy surface.  Mulliner worked with its suppliers to replicate this higher sheen on the hide for the two matched Bentleys. Subtle variations of shade also help to create the visual impression of age-patinated leather. 

Bridge of Weir have provided for the automotive industry for over a century, and produce the world’s lowest carbon leather thanks to their responsible sourcing, 100% traceability and innovative circular manufacturing process, which contributes to an independently verified Life Cycle Analysis score of 8kg CO2e/m2 on average, the lowest in the world published for leather.

Bentley Motors works closely with its suppliers to ensure that they adhere to rigorous environmental standards, including responsible water and energy use, waste management, and chemical control. The company’s craft teams treat this natural material with respect and the result of their work can be expected to last for decades, or perhaps even a century. As an upholstery material leather is sustainable, durable and above all beautiful – qualities it shares with every Bentley.