Bentley Continental GT Convertible Bavaria Edition: a classic British marque with a German twist

Ever since the dawn of the motor car in the late 1800s, engineers with a keen eye for design have strived to turn it into a mobile work of art.

Among the great coachbuilders of yesteryear is Mulliner, a British design house that can trace its roots back to the 1500s.

In those early days, the company focused on designing luxury horse-drawn carriages for the wealthy few. In 1923, Mulliner created its first bespoke design for a Bentley motor car, unveiling a unique take on the three-litre sports car at the Olympia Show in London.

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Following a handful of bespoke designs for Bentley through the 1950s, Mulliner became the official in-house coachbuilder at the British marque and moved its operations to the firm’s headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire.

The latest bespoke model to come from the design team takes the form of a Bentley Continental GT Convertible. The one-off project is called the Bavaria Edition and features a number of design elements that are inspired by the German region.

For example, the glacier white paintwork and contrasting imperial blue fabric roof is a nod to the hues of the Bavarian flag, notes Evo. There are also small Bavarian flags located behind the front wheel arches, distinguishing it from the regular Continental GTC.

The Bavarian theme continues on the inside. The region’s flag is embroidered on all four headrests, while the blue leather seats and steering wheel contrast with the white dashboard.

As a finishing touch, Mulliner has installed Bavaria Edition plaques behind the door sills, reminding drivers that this isn’t your average Bentley.

The cost? It’s unlikely we’ll ever know, as the Bavaria Edition is a one-off model commissioned by an unknown customer.

But as the regular Continental GT Convertible costs £175,100, it’s likely that Mulliner’s latest creation commands a significantly higher six-figure sum.