Bentley is marking 80 years of continuous production at its Crewe site with a special Mulliner-curated Continental GT Azure that pays tribute to the first Bentley model built there, the Mark VI. The milestone comes as the automaker celebrates 107 years since W.O Bentley founded the company on January 18, 1919, in Cricklewood.
Bentley’s Long Road to Crewe
Bentley has maintained two defining elements throughout much of its 107-year history: its connection to sporting heritage and production at Crewe. The company initially built its cars in Cricklewood before moving to Derby in 1931 following its acquisition from Rolls-Royce.
Production in Derby continued until 1940, when it stopped because of World War 2. Bentley established its home base in Crewe in 1946 and has remained rooted in the county of Cheshire ever since.
Although Bentley now has production in Germany and Slovakia, Crewe remains the company’s home. The automaker is commemorating the 80-year milestone with a Continental GT Azure designed to reflect the styling and character of the Mark VI.
A Mulliner Tribute to the Mark VI
The special Continental GT Azure is finished in solid Barnato Green, a color chosen in part to reflect the era of the Mark VI, when metallic paint was not as widespread. A Mulliner Black roof completes the exterior, echoing some of the Mark VIs built during the period.
Chrome elements are joined by modern touches including subtle carbon-fiber details and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Continental GT Azure features Connolly leather, walnut veneer and wool pile carpet.
The cabin uses Cricket Ball, a deep shade of red, to recreate a post-war ambiance. The color is paired with solid black contrasts that Bentley calls Beluga. Instead of burr walnut wood, however, the modern Bentley uses piano black wood.
The Mark VI and Continental GT
The Mark VI became a major success for Bentley after the war, with 4,001 examples built. Of those, 3,171 used the standard steel body.
The Mark VI in Bentley’s heritage collection is more exclusive. Coachbuilt by H.J Mulliner, it is one of only 241 four-door, six-light sedans, or saloons, ever produced. This particular car was delivered to its owner in January 1950.
Power came from a 4.3-liter inline-six, although Bentley never published official power figures for the car. At the time, horsepower and torque were not presented in the same way as they are today.
The modern Continental GT takes a very different approach to performance figures. Buyers can choose between two 4.0-liter twin-turbo plug-in hybrid V8s.
The High Performance Hybrid V8 produces 671 hp and 686 lb-ft, while the Ultra Performance version delivers 771 hp and 738 lb-ft.
80 Years of Continuous Crewe Production
Bentley’s commemorative Continental GT Azure brings together the company’s historic connection to the Mark VI with its modern approach to luxury and performance. While it is not known whether Bentley will produce limited examples of the special model, the example already built serves as a tribute to the company’s first car produced at Crewe.
