Vibrant in Violette: A Bespoke Bentley Continental GTC Speed Revives a Historic Hue

Bentley’s Mulliner division has once again proven that creativity and craftsmanship know no bounds. A UK-based client has commissioned a Continental GTC Speed in “Violette,” a vivid blue-purple shade that has reemerged from Bentley’s archives to become the centerpiece of a daring, bespoke creation.

A Color Reborn

The commission resurrects “Violette,” a striking tone previously used in Bentley’s history, now carefully remastered by the marque’s Crewe-based paint specialists. Bentley’s Paint Shop maintains a comprehensive archive of historical colors and master samples, allowing clients to revive hues from across the brand’s past. Other recent reissues include Sage Green from the 1950s, Shell Grey from the 1960s, and Rubino Red from the 2000s.

For this client, subtlety was never the goal. Gloss Black exterior brightware and matching Bentley badges lend the car a contemporary edge, while the seven-layer material roof-finished in dark grey metallic weave–balances vibrancy with sophistication. The result is an exterior that feels simultaneously nostalgic and boldly modern.

A Passionate Collector

The commission was made by a dedicated Bentley enthusiast with a notable collection of the marque’s models, including no fewer than six Bentaygas-one in Magenta-and a Continental GT in Scarab Green.

His approach to color, he says, reflects a belief that Bentley should stand for individuality as much as tradition.

That same passion extends to heritage. The client recently experienced a ride in the Speed Six Continuation Series at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a faithful recreation of Bentley’s most successful racing car from the pre-war era. The connection between modern craftsmanship and historical inspiration is a fitting parallel to the revival of “Violette.”

A Tri-Tone Interior of Expression

Inside, the Continental GTC Speed showcases Mulliner’s full palette of artistry. The interior’s foundation is a bespoke Tanzanite Purple hide that echoes the exterior’s tone, covering the steering wheel, seat backs, and center console. Contrasting Linen hide provides balance and brightness, while delicate accents of Lilac thread and piping run throughout the cabin. Even the gear lever and steering wheel’s straight-ahead mark feature this subtle hue, tying the interior together with understated complexity.

Mulliner’s mastery extends beyond leather. The cabin features Bentley’s Stone Veneer finish-an ultra-thin, 0.1 mm layer of real stone painstakingly formed into fascia, console, and waistrail panels. Available in four natural shades (Autumn, Copper, Galaxy, and Terra Red), these veneers bring a tactile, organic texture that blends ancient material with modern precision.

Craftsmanship and Modernity

Each bespoke commission begins and ends with the hands of Bentley’s craftspeople. New artisans train under Master Trainers, inheriting traditional skills while learning cutting-edge techniques. In this car, their efforts culminate in an interior that balances bold color with timeless craftsmanship.

The cabin is further refined with Bentley’s Rotating Display, the Naim for Bentley audio system, and the Dark Chrome Interior Specification-an option first introduced with the fourth-generation Continental GT, lending a sophisticated modern finish to the exuberant palette.

Expression, Elevated

This one-off Continental GTC Speed stands as a reflection of its owner’s personality and a showcase of Mulliner’s capabilities. In resurrecting “Violette,” Bentley not only revisits its past but celebrates a future where individuality and craftsmanship remain inseparable vibrant expression of what it means to truly make a Bentley one’s own.