CREWE, England — Bentley Motors has created a new range of Series 51 Continental GT and GTC models that will be on display next week at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The series is inspired by John Blatchley, the longtime Rolls-Royce chief stylist who set up Bentley's first official styling department in Crewe in 1951 and helped create the R-Type and S-Type Continental hardtop and drophead models.
Bentley's latter-day design boss, Dirk van Braeckel, and his team in Crewe have put together an exclusive Series 51 package that includes a distinctive interior color and trim palette, coupled with unique exterior design details.
Already available for special order, the Series 51 cars make use of special leather and materials, with such features as diamond quilting, contrast stitching and piping on seats and doors. Special highlights include engine-turned aluminum accents and a limited-edition amboyna veneer. The interior can be ordered in bespoke three-tone variants.
Exterior combinations include two-tone paint, 20-inch tires on 14-spoke Diamond wheels and signature "51" badges on the front fenders.
Inside Line says: Funny that Bentley should pay homage to a legendary designer who was perhaps better known for his work at former corporate parent Rolls-Royce. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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