BENTLEY SPOTTING

Fifth Gear Review the Mulsanne and the Ghost

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:49:00 +0000

Here is an episode of the web TV version of Fifth Gear.

It is a pity that they just use stock footage. Can't wait till Clarkson gets behind the wheel of the Mulsanne. Or will it be May?

Mulliner Park Ward in Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Paul was doing a bit of shopping at the Pacific Place Shopping Mall in Hong Kong on the weekend.

Now this car was parked below.

Yep, it is a very late say 1996 to 1998 factory stretched Rolls Royce Silver Spur LWB Mulliner Park Ward. Number plate 599. Nice.

The last time this exact model was seen in Hong Kong, it was burning up. Literally. That was number plate 4. Which sounds like death doesn't it?

Thank you to Paul for sending in the photo.

1886 Rolls-Royce and Bentley Photographs

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:11:00 +0000

As I have been a little bit slow with the Bentley Spotting posts of late, here is a present to all readers.

Another 500 Rolls-Royce and Bentley photographs for all to view in one gallery.

View all 500 photos on one page here.

Previously these 500 photos were posted.

View all 500 photos on one page here.

And say another 500 photos in this gallery.

View all 500 photos on one page here.

And you can not go past the work of David Irvine and his collection of 386 photos of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars he took in the 1970's and 1980's, photoshopped and recoloured by yours truly.

View all 386 photos on one page here.

So in one post, a total of 1886 photos of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars for you to enjoy. Surely that is some kind of record.

Bentley Mulsanne Interior

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:34:00 +0000

Here are the official interior shots of the 2010 Bentley Mulsanne.

It is quite unique to look through the roof! Convertible anyone?

I can already imagine the Mulliner diamond stitching on the seats of the potential Bentley Mulsanne T model.

The discrete screen that is hidden behind the wood dash is quite appropriate.

The back seats certainly do look comfortable.

Picnic tables are an option that one just must have! Why would you go without? Where would you put your tea cup? Come on.

Building the body of the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:53:00 +0000

Here is an official video from Bentley Motors o building the body of the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne.

Quite interesting indeed. I will post more of these videos as they are released.

Hooper Empress II at Geneva Motor Show 1987

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:27:00 +0000

Take a look at the Hooper Empress II at the Geneva Motor Show in 1987.

Yep, this time next week 23 years ago the Hooper Empress II was released.

I do not think something that dramatic will be released this year. But you never know.

Thank you to the person who sent in the photograph.

Rolls Royce Ghost by Mansory

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:07:00 +0000

Even though I have been a bit slack with updating Bentley Spotting lately, the car tuning game still goes on.

And with the Geneva Auto Salon just about to hit, manufactures are starting to release their wears.

This time it is a Rolls Royce Ghost by Mansory.

It looks so bad that it is really good.

Oh I want one. The paint work, wheels and body kit are just magnificent.

Here is the press release from Mansory:

A large programme for the “little“ Rolls Royce. Automobile refiner Kourosh Mansory offers a breathtaking individualisation for the Rolls Royce Ghost. The specialist for luxury cars combines most precious materials with elaborate performance, individual appearance and stylish interior refinements. This creates a unique overall concept with a self-confident character.

The most striking part of the metamorphosis is an individually varnish in Gold and Blue. The self-assured colouring does not only reflect the exclusive status of the car, but also emphasises the newly developed exterior shape.

The golden varnish accentuates the delicate cross-beam in the new front skirt as well as the vertical gill between the headlights and the front wheel houses. Also the modified radiator grill insert duly profits from the varnish.

The evidence for the increased performance of the MANSORY Ghost can be found in the side skirts, the stainless steel sheeting, the unobtrusive rear spoiler and the rear skirt with the indicated diffuser and the two-pass end pipes of the double sport exhaust system.

The sportiness imbued by the exterior package is confirmed by the content under the bonnet. Enlarged bi-turbo chargers, the map optimisation of the control electronics as well as the sports manifold and the sports catalysers significantly increase the performance of the Rolls Royce. Instead of serial 570 hp (420 kW), the Ghost refined by MANSORY now renders phenomenal 720 hp (530 kW) at 5,850 r.p.m. The engineers from the Bavarian town Brand near Bayreuth catapult the maximum torque from 780 to astonishing 1,020 Newton metres. Therefore, the engine accelerates the 2,360 kg of the car from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds and is thereby half a second faster than the serial version. Thanks to the removed top speed limitation, the acceleration does not stop at 250, but only at 310 km/h.

With these performance values, also the wheels are growing. Especially for the Rolls Royce Ghost, MANSORY developed a new design whose innovative look perfectly matches with the new appearance of the car.

The monoblock rims measure enormous 22 inches and their surface is refined with the same golden varnish as the exterior. At the front axle, 9 inch wide wheels carry the high-performance tyres Dunlop SP SportMaxx in the dimension 265/35, whereas the rear 10.5 inch wide wheels are fitted with tyres in the dimension 295/30.

The interior presents itself as an oasis for luxury and perfectly goes with the exquisite outer refinement. Large parts of the interior are covered with the most delicate leather with diamond-quilted ornaments and are completed by an ultra-suede lining from the roof line to the dashboard. Special wide carbon and a sports steering wheel in combination with light bamboo wood inlays render and atmosphere which can not be surpassed in terms of exclusiveness. Moreover, there are illuminated door sills and the implemented ambience light effects: seats, door casings and dashboard are equipped with LEDs which supply a pleasantly soft light throughout the passenger cabin.

Once again, company founder Kourosh Mansory has understood to lift a top luxury class automobile into even higher levels. After the refinement, the Rolls Royce Ghost presents itself with a self-confident character. There is a perfect synergy between technology and luxury which further confirms the individual design.

Blah blah blah, just take a look at it!

I'm guessing the first pictures of one on the road will have UAE plates parked near Harrods in Knightsbridge.

Bentley Vs Maybach

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Bentley Vs Maybach hey. So you would expect a long winded article detailing the re-introduction of the Maybach brand, and its high hopes, then to be currently of the brink of being pulled because sales have been so bad.

Not really. Simply to report that a Bentley crashed into a Maybach near the Savvinskaya Embankment in Moscow just before Christmas.

The Maybach is owned by furniture company Orteks-Line, and restaurant firm Gallery-Alex was listed as the Bentley owner. Everyone was ok.

It then gives me an excuse to show David LaChapelle's recent work with Maybach. He produced a series of well let's just say contemporary photographs.

Here is a video of the photo shoot.

And a couple of photographs of what was taken.

Shall I critic them?

Maybe later. I am a fan.

Companies employing edgy artists is a good thing.

Bentley Arnage Safe by Stockinger

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:43:00 +0000

I did not realise that there is a Bentley Arnage out there that does not come with a V8, nor is made at Crewe, but is fully endorsed by Bentley Motors. Weird.

It is the Bentley Arnage Safe by Stockinger.

If you are the market for a safe, here are the facts and figures:

FACTS & FIGURES

Dimensions (HxWxD):
119 x 56 x 51 cm
47 x 22 x 20 inches
Weight: Approx. 485 kg / 1067 lbs
Volume: Approx. 95 dl.
Security level: EN 1143/VDS III
Locking mechanism: Stocktronic
Watchwinder capacity: 8 watches
Turn per day: 650-900
Winding Directions: Selectable
Drawers: 3 in different sizes

Finish options:
All standard Bentley exterior paints,
10 STOCKINGER interior suedes

Wood veneer panels:
Birds Eye Maple, Burr Walnut
or Dark Stained Burr Walnut

#Limited edition:
200 safes

It certainly does not look cheap.

Bentley Continental GT Estate by Carrozzeria Touring

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:07:00 +0000

It has taken a little while, but finally a coachbuilder has becided to make an estate or shooting break version on the Bentley Continental GT.

Of course it is Italian, by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan.

And here is the photo that has been released so far.

Touring has made many a bodies for Bristols, Aston Martins, Maseratis, Ferraris and also designed the Jensen Interceptor. How ever this will be their first Bentley body.

The company plans to limit the production to up to 20 examples, based on both the Continental GT and the Continental GT Speed variants.

Lets lighten up the image to see if it reveals more.

It is a stretch, not CGI image, so we will have to wait until the Geneva Salon of the 2 March to the real car in the metal. Unless an image is leaked prior. I'll keep an eye out.

Lets inverse the image to see the Estate body style.

It is still very sporting. I do want to see pictures of this coachbuilt modern Bentley. How they resolve the design of the rear will be the key to the look of this station wagon.

So who is going to build a Bentley Continental GT ute next? Com'on Aussie!

A Line Lamp Set Up

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:01:00 +0000

Let's compare the face of the new Bentley Mulsanne to the Bentley R Type.

The lamp placement does make sense. An A line configuration indeed.

It was only in the Bentley S3 that twin head lamps were introduced.

Sent in your Mulsanne photos when you see the car on the road!

Well Rested.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:30:00 +0000

Well Bentley Spotting has been standing still for over a month, so I should not really wait until it turns into this Silver Cloud III.

Thank you all for the encouragement to continue to post Bentley Spotting articles. I'll get onto it, but you know, life gets in the way sometimes.

Thanks David for sending in the picture.

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 07:26:00 +0000

Let's just say you are taking a walk down a pier in Portugal.

Then you notice some activity up ahead. I wonder what they are doing?

I'll go for a walk up there and see.

Oh, its a photo shoot. There is a tripod and a big camera.

The camera assistance is working away creating shade.

Now take a look at what they are photographing. It is a Bentley with a black clover over it. Are they hiding something special?

Oh good. Man are removing the covers so we can see more of the Bentley.

Yes it is a special Bentley. It is a yet to be released Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Take a look at the distinct Supersports front bumper and those bonnet vents.

I think it will be the most powerful Bentley drop head ever.

So if this car is released, that will mean that there are eight, yes 8 cars in the Bentley Continental range. Lets name them:

Bentley Continental GT
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley Continental GTC
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
Bentley Continental Supersports
Probably the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

It is pretty obvious that it would not make any sense to build a Bentley Continental Flying Spur Supersports due to the removal of the back seats, though I would like to see the long name written on the door sill.

But the question is where is the station wagon/shooting brake or ute/mini truck varieties? Come on. There is probably only a few years to go before a totally new car comes out!

Or more realistically a swan song of a Bentley Continental SC, or sedanca coupé? Only 100 examples, or something like that?

Anyway, nice spotting MigX from Pistonheads of the probable Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible.

Bentley Val D'Isere by Jankel

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:49:00 +0000

A significant contributor to Bentley Spotting Andy was doing a spot of shopping yesterday at Harrods, and take a look at what was parked out the front.

The perfect shopping car, a Bentley Val D'Isere by coachbuilder Jankel.

A beautifully proportioned station wagon or shooting brake with lots of interior space for purchases.

This design sketch shows the spot on proportions.

And a little more inforamtion about the car from the Jankel brochure.

More more pictures of a black Val D'Isere, a yellow Val D'Isere and even a pink Val D'Isere take a look at a previous posts here.

Bentley Driving

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:25:00 +0000

Bentley Motors have a programme called Bentley Driving.

Let the video explain.

Power slide the Azure - go on!

More at www.bentleydriving.com

Fancy Cup Holders

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Lets have a detailed look at a Bentley interior.

Why not the Bentley with the largest interior available?

Why not! The Bentley Arnage RL 728. Or Arnage Limousine.

It is called the Bentley Arnage RL 728 as it is extended 728cm compared to the standard Arnage R.

From this angle you can see the Hooper style small rear window, the rear sun roof and the additional centre section that is added as part of the lengthening process by Premier Sheet Metal the Bentley coachbuilder.

With all that space, the rear interior has quite a formal, if not romantic cabin like atmosphere about it.

On looking through the door, this cabin like atmosphere become very apparent. It could even be classed as a suite!

With all the cupboard and compartments closed, there is probably enough room for a half court game of table tennis on that centre console.

I wonder which compartment houses the racquets?

Between the seats is of course the refrigerator.

For those who care it is Champagne Jacquart. No racquets there, only a lovely fold down leather table, with quite a handy side out flute holder. Nice.

The ash tray and phone cupboard are in the compartments under the fold down table.

Further down the console there is the circular pop up Scotch cabinet that includes tumblers. Why not!

And take a look at those pop out compartments that hold the wine glasses. Lovely, quite fancy cup holders.

Between the Scotch Cabinet and the cigar humidor there is quaint glass table. That's for snorting drugs off after you have consumed all the alcohol.

Oh, the cigar humidor holds eight, which is hopefully enough cigars for any trip.

Now the last photo shows all the compartments open. Click to enlarge and you will notice the open ash tray and phone cupboard, as well as then cupboard above the cigar humidor. This holds the stereo and DVD player for the large television in the cabins division.

Also in this image, the foot rests, come occasional seats are down in position. It is quite a good use of functional space.

You would only use the occasional seats well, occasionally, unless of course you like to look someone special close in the eyes. That's when you put your feet up so they can give you a foot massage. After you have had some scotch, that was preceded by some Champagne. And you have drunk all the alcohol.

I hope you have a nice trip.

Just make sure the division is up if you get busy. Or are having a game of table tennis.

Rounded Headlights.

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:03:00 +0000

This is it!

This is the photograph of the first styling mock up and introduction of round headlamps to the Bentley Turbo R.

It looks like paper cut outs were involved!

Taken in Crewe, the styling was done by Graham Hull.

Initially there was discussion of 5 ¾ inch lamps, but the 7 inch lamps were decided upon.

These lamps then heavily influenced the design of the Continental R.

Rusty Wraith II Down Under

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Philippe Corgié from France send in this interesting picture.

It was taken in January 2009 in Melbourne, Australia and it looks like it is bloody hot mate!

It looks like a stinking hot scorcher of a day during Summer in Australia. Probably nearly 50 degrees.

It is a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II. You can tell by the angular pressing of the bonnet that it is not a Bentley, the rubber bumpers indicate that it is a mark II, and the extra 4" in the rear door means it is a long wheel base car, hence the Silver Wraith II.

It does seem very hard done by. I'm quite sure it will not see the road again.

And yes let's do some spotting from space.

Here is the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II from space with the rusty roof. Try saying that a few times after a couple of beers.

Agrandir le plan

Thanks Philippe for sending in the picture, and giving the location. It's at Andy's Autos, in Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia.

Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner in Red

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:48:00 +0000

We have seen a beautiful British Racing Green Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner before here, and here, and also an all white one, and now it's time for a red one.

In Carmine Red to be exact. It is a 1998 model with 39745 kms on the clock.

It has a nice wooden, not turned aluminium as was an option dashboard. Other options can be seen in the renderings of the Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner done by Darren Day the styling engineer.

Now have look where it is housed! It is a beautiful garage! The painting are very nice, and so it the late model Corniche/Continental next to it.

From the front it has all the options you want. Bonnet vents, side vents, and colour coding.

It is a beautiful car being only on of 55/56 ever made.

This car is currently for sale in Calgary, Canada of $60,000.00 here.

Bentley LeMansory on the Street

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:48:00 +0000

This is one of 24 Bentley LE MANSory widebody cars by Mansory.

It has UAE plates from Abu Dhabi.

Bentley Mulsanne L

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:25:00 +0000

After writing about a Bentley Mulsanne L first the first time when reader Rick from California send in photos of his Bentley Mulsanne L another reader Andy sent in a great advertisement for another.

The ad was placed about a decade ago. One of only the 4 Bentley Mulsanne L cars made in 1981.

Send them in if you want your Bentley Mulsanne L posted!

Spotting Hoopers in the 80's

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:14:00 +0000

I think I can quite confidently say that this is the largest gallery of Hooper and Co. modified cars from the 1980's.

To get Hooper and Co. to coachbuild a car cost extraordinary amounts of money, and they were quite rare.

Here are a collection of Hooper & Co. cars that have been sent in by readers where the photos were taken in the 1980's.

Ohh, a Long Wheel Base Bentley Mulsanne L with very distinct Hooper & Co. wire wheels, colour matched bumper bars, and lots of extra chrome. Plus a gold mascot. I'm sure the interior will be quite unique.

A drop head with Hooper & Co, wire wheels, and a chrome strip guard down the sills.

A lovely two tone Silver Spur. The specially painted hub caps to look good!

Take a look at this powerful Bentley. Body kit all round, in brown.

Another Bentley Mulsanne, the guy does look a little Maxwell Smart!

Take a look at this special Hooper & Co. Rolls-Royce Carmargue. Special front spoiler, painted hub caps, and vinyl roof.

Again the two-tone Silver Spur. Now with a different number plate.

It sports the signature Hooper & Co. rear window. Small, private and very discreet.

A big thank you to Andy and David for sending the Hooper & Co. cars in. If more readers have photographs please do send them in.

Rolls-Royce in The Daily Telegraph April 1980

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:58:00 +0000

Take a look at these advertisement!

Full page Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow advertisements in The Daily Telegraph.

Tuesday 15 April 1980. "Living A Long Time In It"

Wednesday 16 April 1980. "The Working Man's Car"

Thursday 17 April 1980. "Start Collecting Them Now"

Friday 18 April 1980. "We're Written Off The Car And It's Running Better Than Ever"

From the famous scrap books of David Irvine. They are a little hard to read but worth it!

Bentley Mulsanne Drop Head Coupe Render

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Theophilus Chin from Singapore who described himself as an Automotive manipulator have come up with these renderings.

Yes, it is Theo's interpretation of a possible, and highly likely future Bentley, a Bentley Mulsanne Drop Head Coupe.

He has been a little cheeky and raised the secondary front lamps up, but I do prefer the Bentley's 'A' lamp configuration, as per the 'S' Series Bentleys and the R-Types.

It certainly does look very realistic, and pretty much definitely a future Bentley.

Thanks to Theophilus Chin for the photoshopping.

Doha Junk Yard

noreply@blogger.com (bentleyspotting) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Last month Christopher who currently lives in Dubai send in some quite interesting photos of some sandy cars rotting here.

A reader of the Jalopnik car blog send in some pictures from another junk yard.

This time in Doha, Qatar.

Significant fire damage is in order.

But the engine is looks ok, so I am blaming cigarettes.

Or maybe a cigar.

Via (Jalopnik)