Millennia of tradition inspires precious limited edition: Bentayga Mulliner Pearl of the Gulf

• Mulliner to handcraft just five exquisite cars
• Intricate marquetry using luxurious Mother of Pearl
• Unique pearl diving dhow boat design inlay in dashboard fascia
• Breitling dashboard clock embossed with Mother of Pearl
• Mulliner Biometric Secure Stowage for added security

Bentley has created the ultimate collector’s model inspired by the Arabian Gulf’s rich pearl diving heritage with the new, limited edition Bentayga Mulliner Pearl of the Gulf.

Just five of these exquisite W12-powered cars will be handbuilt by Mulliner’s craftspeople in Crewe, England, each featuring unique Mother of Pearl and Arabian Gulf-themed motifs.

Each limited edition model has a bespoke interior that celebrates the Arabian Gulf’s history of pearl diving, a tradition that dates back millennia and was once the region’s main economic driver. Most notably, intricate marquetry to the Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus fascia features a pearl diving dhow boat scene, beautifully inlayed with Mother of Pearl.

The luxurious cabin is appointed with Linen main hide and complemented by Brunel secondary hide – a colour scheme inspired by the natural beauty of pearls – with a Mother of Pearl Breitling clock the dashboard centrepiece.

Camel and Brunel contrast stitching is employed for the quilted seats and door inserts, while gold thread embroidery highlights this Bentayga’s pearl diving credentials. Lambswool rugs are also cut in matching Linen, while Mulliner illuminated treadplates welcome passengers in to the cabin.

Gulf pearls are among the rarest and most sought-after in the world, so to help keep valuables safe in the Bentayga Mulliner Pearl of the Gulf, Mulliner has installed an ingenious fingerprint secure storage.

The fingerprint sensor technology has been applied to a high pressure die-cast aluminium secure stowage unit located in the cabin. This discreet and unobtrusive locker creates the ideal place to stow valuables while at the beach or utilising valet parking services.

The exterior of this exclusive collector’s Bentayga is available in 3 Mulliner colour finishes: Ghost White Pearlescent, Porcelain, or a duo-tone Ghost White Pearlescent over Porcelain. The Mulliner Pearl of the Gulf sits on 22-inch Paragon wheels.

Treasured Inspiration

Archaeologists have evidence to suggest the tradition of natural pearl diving in the Gulf dates back more than 7,000 years. The popularity of pearls spread far and wide during Roman times and were once the most sought after of accessories.

The practise is still considered one of the region’s most treasured traditions and was responsible for the founding of the great coastal cities.

Traditional methods of pearl diving survived well into the 20^th century, before the industry in the Gulf went into decline with the invention of methods to make artificial pearls that were cheaper and more readily available. However, the remarkable tradition of pearl diving in the Gulf remains engrained in local folklore to this day.

Experienced divers used a clip made from turtle shell to plug their nose and wax to block their ears. Coffee and dates were often eaten before a dive took place. Pearl diving was notoriously dangerous and required a skilled hand. Divers tied a stone to their ankle to help them sink to the seabed – their task was to collect as many oysters as they could before their breath ran out.

Bentley Bentayga – Genuine Luxury With Go-Anywhere Ability

Genuine luxury and go-anywhere driving ability are the hallmarks of the Bentley Bentayga. Powerful, individual and exquisite in equal measure, the Bentayga is for those who demand luxury without compromise.

The Bentayga’s styling is pure Bentley. Sculpted with an elegant, timeless execution, it perfectly balances athleticism with confidence. The world’s most luxurious SUV also has the world’s finest automotive cabin, the epitome of modern British style.

Bentayga offers the widest range of on and off-road drive settings via Bentley’s Drive Dynamic Mode and optional Responsive Off-Road Setting. Up to eight modes are available at the turn of a dial, allowing drivers to select the perfect dynamic set-up for any surface or road condition. This versatility is complemented by Bentley’s Dynamic Ride and Electric Power-Assisted Steering.

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About Mulliner
Mulliner exists to respond to the requirements of Bentley’s most discerning customers. Any type of personalisation can be undertaken to create a unique Bentley of individual taste. Mulliner's roots date back to the 1500's – the firm's original focus was creating luxurious horse-drawn carriages. In 1923 Mulliner showcased work on a Bentley chassis for the first time, exhibiting a two-seater 3 Litre Bentley at the Olympia Show in London – just four years after Bentley Motors was founded. In 1953, Mulliner coachbuilt one of the most iconic Bentleys ever – the

R Type Continental. This model inspired the design of today's Continental GT. In 1957, Mulliner introduced the Continental Flying Spur, a special four-door saloon built on the Bentley Continental chassis. Mulliner officially became part of Bentley Motors in 1959, setting up its workshops in Crewe.

Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s four model lines, Continental, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

© Press Release 2019