Bentley’s latest projects show how craftsmanship and history can intertwine in the most personal way. Over the span of just two days, Crewe and Prague unveiled two very different but deeply connected tributes to courage and shared heritage.
Over in Prague, the brand’s first-ever Mulliner collection for the Czech market honors the legacy of four Royal Air Force squadrons composed of Czech pilots during World War II. The Czech Squadron Collection, unveiled at Bentley Prague’s new showroom, includes four one-off commissions: a Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GT Convertible. Each is inspired by a different RAF squadron, 310, 311, 312, and 313, whose Czech airmen fought under the British flag.
The Continental GT Convertible’s “Thunder” paint is a nod to the Spitfire camouflage, while the treadplates carry laser-etched outlines of the Merlin-powered fighters once built in Crewe’s very own factory. The Bentayga’s “Cypress Green” finish reflects the 311 Squadron’s bomber livery, complete with mottos like “Never regard their numbers.” Each model also bears bespoke fender badges, tweed inserts, and rotating displays with red, black, and yellow accents highlighting squadron insignia.
Bentley Prague worked directly with Britain’s Ministry of Defence to secure permission for the official insignia and mottos. Mulliner even developed a new laser-etching process for the headrest designs, marking a technical first for the coachbuilder. The collection also served as the centerpiece of Bentley Prague’s new showroom opening, signaling the brand’s growing Central European presence.
Bentley’s Crewe plant, which today produces some of the world’s most refined luxury cars, began life in 1938 as a shadow factory building Rolls-Royce Merlin engines for Hurricanes and Spitfires. Those same engines powered the Czech squadrons being celebrated in Prague.
The following day, Bentley also paid tribute at home, revealing a one-of-a-kind Bentayga EWB Azure designed to honor the 17 Crewe colleagues who lost their lives in 1940 when a German bomb struck the factory. Finished in Satin Artica White with cascading red poppies and gold initials representing each victim, the Remembrance Car stands as both artwork and memorial.
Created through Bentley’s BeReady network, one of five Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging groups supporting veterans and reservists, the project aligns with Bentley’s Silver status in the UK’s Armed Forces Covenant. The grille also features the number 85 to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. After serving as the course car at the Race of Remembrance in Anglesey, it will travel across the UK, culminating at the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Awards.
Both projects share one message: Bentley’s legacy is built not only on performance and luxury, but on gratitude, and with these commissions linking the brand’s present to its past and its role during the war effort.
Images: Bentley Motors