A behind-the-scenes look at the Bentley Motors factory

Synonymous with all that is elegant, elitist and uniquely British, Bentley Motors has been a household name throughout a century of innovation. From high-level racing to luxury and leisure, the company’s iconic models have built a reputation in every corner of the automotive world. With designers, engineers and tech artisans among its 4,000 employees, the Bentley team continues to exceed expectations, catapulting the company’s vision into the future while remembering its roots. Often displayed in high profile showcases, Bentley concept cars are built alongside the Mulliner division, which includes Coachbuilt, Classic and Collection vehicles built for dedicated owners. The models are handcrafted and tested at the Bentley factory, located in Crewe, England. My visit to the factory introduced me to not only some of the employees who make every vehicle possible, but also the space that allows it all to happen seamlessly; the factory campus is both a canvas for advancements in design and a powerhouse run by automotive experts.

Combining personalized design, restored classics and the utmost luxury, Mulliner models are designed to stand out, giving them their own distinct class within the Bentley factory. Evidence indicates that Mulliner specialized in saddles at the end of the 16th century in Britain and, in accordance with the time, established a contract to build cars in 1786 with the Royal Mail. Today’s Coachbuilt Mulliner category encourages future owners to stay involved in the design process as their future vehicle materializes. An initial in-person consultation kicks off the process, which remains highly collaborative and conversational throughout. When it comes to the details, the choices are endless. Things as subtle as the color of the car’s interior are all up to the buyer, and no two custom Mulliner are alike. The result of this unique process is a highly customized vehicle built with the same British spirit that brought the Bentley roar to life in 1919. The latest addition to the Coachbuilt class, the Bentley Bacalar, is a roofless two-door Barchetta-style model. , also featuring an enveloping cockpit cabin. One of only twelve, the Bacalar is a fine example of Bentley’s new production angles and timeless emphasis on personality as much as performance.

The Mulliner Collections category redefines automotive luxury, focusing on personalized bonus features, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The goal is to bring your vehicle as close to absolute perfection as possible, with many features added just for your comfort and convenience. These vehicles are where the last meet the quiet, putting every aspect of your vehicle at your fingertips. The third Mulliner category, known as Classics, restores, reinterprets and modernizes Bentley archetypes, releasing a limited series of old school icons designed to last in today’s changing marketplace.

The Bentley Blower Continuation series is a recent Mulliner Classic project that embodies the exclusivity of the line; Inspired by the 1929 4.5-liter “Blower”, the series includes twelve icons that defend the fiery spirit of a true renegade. The Blower Series will be the first pre-war series of its kind, reproducing original design elements and techniques to produce almost exact replicas of a century-old model. All of the vehicles are pre-sold to a dozen lucky collectors, but I was lucky enough to see five in person at the Crewe factory. An enthusiastic Blower owner I met during my visit to Mulliner insisted on learning and participating in the process of building his brand new vehicle in real time, a special request that was quickly met by the Mulliner team. Another insisted that every production staff member sign part of their car before it was covered from the inside, forever sealing each individual’s contribution to the interior. All five were in various stages of completion, and seeing them together was a prime example of how process-based building a Bentley vehicle is; the relentless use of hand tools alongside modern machinery creates a contrast that highlights the persistence (and vital importance) of the craft.

At the factory, an entire room dedicated to wood samples from around the world represents the design team’s commitment to seeking the perfect finish without interrupting nature; Bentley only uses trees that have already fallen due to natural circumstances. Despite an obvious love for traditional materials, the design team doesn’t hesitate to experiment with alternatives, mixing approaches to achieve that unmistakable Bentley look.

I was taken aback by the atmosphere in Crewe’s headquarters before looking down on just one car. The mosaic of solar panels in the parking lot, the beehives on site and the abundance of greenery gave it the impression of an ultra contemporary space for reflection with a focus on sustainability; and, in a way, that’s exactly what Bentley has become. Compared to other major automakers, Bentley has stayed small, focusing on perfecting the design rather than over-expanding, resulting in a refined approach to manufacturing. The size of the company makes every Bentley all the more coveted, but also maintains its environmental footprint smaller than most of today’s top-selling car brands. The company’s “Beyond 100 Manifesto,” released last year, lists the brand’s goals in defining how luxury can respond to sustainability and become a mutually beneficial force.

Every employee I had the pleasure of meeting was clearly a Bentley insider, meaning their skills matched their passion for the legendary brand. The authenticity of the staff made Crewe’s location more of a joint studio than a factory, with each member bringing a unique insight to see the end product come to life.

Far from the cliché of the assembly line, the Bentley factory is heavily focused on craftsmanship and the preservation of certain skills from generation to generation. Whether they are experienced leatherworkers, carpenters or upholsterers, the hand continues to play a crucial role in Bentley’s manufacturing process; Every detail of a given vehicle was an individual and creative decision intended to maintain a standard first series at the 24 Hours of Le Mans almost a hundred years ago.

As I finished my tour, I realized how struck I was by the immense level of organization defining the space, and how much this manifested in the Bentleys themselves. Small-scale production, close-knit staff, and countless quality checks were evident around every corner, and the amount of brand-new Bentleys lighting the roads around the factory underscored the fact that every vehicle is tested by professionals. It was reassuring to discover that one of the biggest names in the automotive world remains humble by honoring its past and promoting craftsmanship, while constantly thinking of a better future.