Bentley Unveils Ombre by Mulliner: Hand-Painted Gradient
Bentley Motors has revealed a one-off personal commission that showcases one of its most complex paint finishes to date, Ombre by Mulliner. Artisans at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe hand-paint the exterior, graduating two paint colours along the car’s length for a striking two-tone result. Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division, now offers the technique to order in three curated colour combinations.
Technicians first spray contrasting colours at the front and rear, then apply the blend in stages with paint tinted by traditional mixing to achieve the Ombre effect. Two specialists spend approximately 56 hours to perfect the fade, the time needed to balance pigments and produce a uniform transition. Because the paints interact in complex ways, Mulliner has selected a specific palette to ensure a smooth, consistent gradient. Each paint behaves differently on application, so the Paint Technician adjusts technique in real time. Every car will be unique, yet the finish appears seamless to the naked eye.
The first car to feature the new Ombre process is a Continental GT Speed, displayed as part of Bentley’s presence at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week. The exterior fades from Topaz at the nose to Windsor Blue at the tail. The effect shows most clearly along the centre section, following the angle of the rear haunch line. The 22-inch ten-spoke swept wheels mirror the body panels they sit with: Topaz at the front, Windsor Blue at the rear.
To maintain harmony across the car, Mulliner’s Bespoke Studio applies the same graded approach inside. The front of the cabin features bespoke Topaz hide across the front seats, steering wheel and instrument panel, flowing into the centre console. The rear of the cabin shifts to the deep tone of Beluga. A Dragonfly accent colour highlights the piping and stitching on seats and doors.
With colour as the central theme, other interior surfaces adopt a more tactile approach, with Satin Beluga painted veneers on the centre console, instrument panel and treadplate carriers, clearly visible when you open the door.
The interior also includes Bentley’s Rotating Display, the Naim for Bentley pinnacle audio system and the Dark Chrome Interior Specification introduced for the fourth-generation Continental GT.
Following its reveal in Monterey as a personal commission, Mulliner’s three Ombre paint fades are now available to order through Bentley’s global retailer network.
