While most of Bentley’s customers would prefer not to be identified, there are some who allow the company to tell the world about the cars they have commissioned. From time to time, we are treated to some very personalised models prepared by the company’s bespoke and personal commissioning division, Mulliner. As it is Christmas time, Bentley can show off the ‘Reindeer Eight’, a unique and festive Flying Spur V8 commissioned by ‘a world famous customer’.
Every commission is important and this was in fact, one of Bentley Mulliner’s most important yet because of the customer’s own global and extensive list of expectant fans. It drew on its rich history and expertise of fine craftsmanship to meet the specific requirements of the customers.
One of 62 shades from Extended Range
The one-off ‘Reindeer Eight’ is finished to the exterior in deep red Cricket Bauble paint finish, a unique shade created for the customer based on Cricket Ball which is available as one of the 62 shades offered by the Extended Range.
Leading the car from the front, a gold three-dimensional printed reindeer can be found in lieu of the Flying B mascot, and to the sides the V8 badges have been replaced by a special ‘Reindeer Eight’ badge signifying the powertrain the customer is more familiar with.
Following the lead reindeer, the standard chrome bonnet strip has been re-trimmed in gold, and coordinating hand painted fine line details shimmer from the rear of the Bentley wing badges.
Maximum aerodynamic performance
To emphasise the speed and performance required to cover the significant distance planned by the owner, a gold styling specification has been included, comprising of a carbonfibre diffuser to the front and rear bumper, carbonfibre side sills and a bootlid spoiler – for maximum aerodynamic performance at cruising altitude.
The Mulliner Driving Specification with 22-inch golden wheels and diamond finish, representing the snow peaks crossed, completes the exterior theme. Given the cold climate of the customer’s primary residence, All Season tyres have been fitted.
Personalised embroidery with 11,100 stitches
The interior of the ‘Reindeer Eight’ showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern cabin of unrivalled luxury and innovation, capable of comfortable seating for four or five. The customer specified a monotone Cricket Bauble interior with gold personalised embroidery and hand cross-stitching, including his name stitched into the driver’s seat and that of his wife alongside.
Festive gold hand cross-stitch highlights the attention to detail and skill of those working at the Bentley factory. It takes 18 hours for a craftsperson to complete the 11,100 hand-sewn stitches throughout the cabin, and consumes 115 metres of special thread (equal to the height of Big Ben).
The seats of the ‘Reindeer Eight’ feature a twin-flute design and increased functionality, including heating, ventilation, multi-mode massage, adjustable bolsters and top tilt which should keep the customer alert yet relaxed over the extensive mileage that he will be covering. With the Mulliner Driving Specification chosen by the customer, the new three-dimensional leather combines with traditional stitching and embroidery work.
Sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, emphasising the spacious width of the cabin. At Mulliner’s suggestion, the Grand Black veneer displays a North Pole winter night scene with inlays to fascias and door waistrails to depict the end of the night’s journey.
The industry-first Bentley Rotating Display features in the ‘Reindeer Eight’. When the engine start button is pressed, and after a welcome sound of sleigh bells jingling, the veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen, displaying multiple menus. A Naughty and Nice list integrated in the navigation system allows the customer to quickly know whether his fans have been bad or good.
The second side of the display reveals three elegant analogue dials showing outside temperature, a compass (vital for the customer to find home at the end of the long work night) and a chronometer. Finally, the third side offers the seamless Grand Black veneer fascia, continuing around the cabin, representing the North Pole winter night scene.
“What fun it is to ride in a 542 horsepower sleigh. Plus, there’s space in the back for all my subordinate Clauses. I’m looking forward to putting 66 million kilometres on the clock before the end of the year,” said the bearded customer.
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