Bentley is celebrating a remarkable chapter in its history with the introduction of the Bentley Olympia Collection, an exclusive series of just 12 individually numbered Continental GT grand tourers created by the marque’s Mulliner division. Inspired by the Bentley 6½ Litre that appeared at London’s Olympia Motor Show in 1926, the collection brings a century of British automotive heritage into the modern era through elaborate craftsmanship, bespoke materials and an extraordinary approach to personalization.

Each automobile features a distinctive green ombré exterior requiring 56 hours to complete, an interior filled with historical references and a specially commissioned Brooklands chronograph. Rather than introducing another performance-focused special edition, Bentley has created something that celebrates the craftsmanship and engineering ambition that helped establish its reputation a century ago.

The Bentley Olympia Collection Honors the 1926 6½ Litre

The story behind the Bentley Olympia Collection begins with company founder W.O. Bentley and an unexpected encounter on the roads of France. In 1924, Bentley reportedly found himself alongside a prototype Rolls-Royce Phantom I while driving through the French countryside. According to Bentley’s historical account, the experience reinforced his determination to develop a more powerful automobile capable of competing with the finest luxury machines of the era.

The resulting 6½ Litre represented an important evolution for the British manufacturer, combining greater engine capacity with the refinement expected from an increasingly prestigious marque. Its chassis made its public debut at the Olympia Motor Show in 1925, while the completed automobile, featuring coachwork by Vanden Plas, appeared at the exhibition the following year.

That 1926 presentation serves as the inspiration for the modern collection, connecting the original automobile’s engineering ambitions with Bentley’s contemporary approach to luxury grand touring. A century later, the Bentley Olympia Collection pays tribute to that milestone without attempting to recreate the original vehicle. Instead, Mulliner has incorporated historical references throughout a thoroughly modern Continental GT.

A 56-Hour Paint Finish Inspired by British Racing Green

Perhaps the most immediately recognizable feature of the Bentley Olympia Collection is its extraordinary exterior finish. Mulliner developed an exclusive ombré paint treatment that transitions from Verdant at the front of the Continental GT to Midnight Emerald toward the rear. The carefully executed gradient references the various shades of green associated with Bentley’s early motorsport heritage, giving the automobile a distinctive appearance while maintaining a connection to the marque’s history.

Completing the elaborate finish requires approximately 56 hours, reflecting the precision involved in creating a seamless transition between the two colors. The paintwork is complemented by Champagne Gold accents, including exterior badging and delicate pinstriping that introduce a subtle contrast against the rich green bodywork.

Additional exterior details include 22-inch Mulliner wheels and contrasting Blackline elements, creating a contemporary aesthetic that balances the collection’s historical inspiration with the Continental GT’s muscular proportions.

The result is particularly striking because the finish changes character depending on the viewing angle and available light. The brighter Verdant front gradually gives way to the deeper Midnight Emerald rear, emphasizing the grand tourer’s flowing bodywork.

For Bentley, the finish represents more than an elaborate customization option. It transforms a familiar element of British automotive history into a distinctive expression of modern craftsmanship.

Mulliner Brings Historic Craftsmanship Into the Continental GT Cabin

Inside, the Bentley Olympia Collection continues its historical storytelling through an exceptionally detailed selection of materials, colors and bespoke finishes. The cabin features Coach Green and Cumbrian Green leather upholstery, creating a rich tonal environment inspired by traditional British motoring. Heritage-patinated leather treatments add character, while black-stained open-pore walnut provides a darker, more contemporary contrast.

Champagne Gold accents carry the exterior’s design language into the interior, creating a consistent aesthetic throughout the automobile. However, some of the collection’s most compelling details are considerably more subtle.

The steering-wheel stitching draws inspiration from early Bentley automobiles, while bespoke instrumentation incorporates visual references to the original 1926 6½ Litre. Another particularly thoughtful addition is an embroidered map depicting W.O. Bentley’s historic journey from Lyon to Dieppe, the French route associated with the encounter that helped inspire the development of the larger-engined automobile.

These elements give the interior a narrative that extends beyond conventional luxury appointments.

Rather than simply introducing exclusive leather colors or decorative trim, Mulliner has used the Continental GT cabin to document moments from Bentley’s early history. The result is an environment that rewards closer inspection, with details that may be appreciated as much for their significance as their craftsmanship.

Every Olympia Collection Bentley Includes a Matching Chronograph

The Bentley Olympia Collection also extends beyond the automobile itself, incorporating a specially commissioned timepiece that reinforces its appeal to collectors. Each of the 12 Continental GTs is accompanied by a Brooklands Watch Co. chronograph developed specifically for the collection.

The watch features two bespoke tachymeter bezels inspired by historic Brooklands racing circuits, connecting the timepiece to one of the most significant locations in British motorsport history. Brooklands holds particular importance in Bentley’s heritage, having served as a proving ground for the marque’s early racing achievements and the legendary Bentley Boys who helped establish its competition credentials.

The chronograph introduces another dimension to the collection, bringing together automotive history and traditional watchmaking in a commemorative accessory designed to accompany each individually numbered automobile. Owners also receive a specially produced commemorative book and handcrafted presentation box, further emphasizing the collection’s historical significance.

Together, these additions make the Olympia Collection feel less like a conventional limited-edition vehicle and more like a carefully curated automotive collectible.

Bentley Olympia Collection Pricing and Exclusivity

Production of the Bentley Olympia Collection is limited to just 12 individually numbered Continental GTs, making it one of Mulliner’s more exclusive modern commissions.

Bentley has not publicly disclosed collection-specific pricing, although the extensive bespoke craftsmanship, elaborate paintwork and accompanying commemorative accessories suggest a substantial premium over a conventional Continental GT.

What makes the collection particularly compelling is its approach to exclusivity. Rather than relying on additional horsepower or dramatic mechanical changes, Bentley has focused on historical significance, exceptional materials and the individual craftsmanship associated with Mulliner. A century after the completed 6½ Litre appeared at Olympia, the Bentley Olympia Collection demonstrates how the British manufacturer continues to draw inspiration from its past while creating automobiles intended to become part of its future legacy.

Interested collectors can explore the Bentley Olympia Collection and submit enquiries through Bentley’s official website.