Bentley's Mulliner Riviera Collection Is Drop-Top Perfection For Monaco's Elite

Oct. 26, 2022 4:00 PM ET by Gerhard Horn Luxury / 1 Comment

It's the perfect way to get from your flat to your yacht.

Don't you hate it when you can't decide which car to use for the short commute between your upmarket flat in Monaco and your multi-million-dollar yacht? It's an issue we've been struggling with for years, but now Bentley has come up with a solution via its Mulliner department.

The British luxury brand recently introduced the Mulliner Riviera Collection, based on the Bentley Continental GT Convertible. This collection will be available exclusively through Bentley Monaco, which serves as the central dealer hub for the French Riviera elite.

Now, a Bentley in Monaco is like a Ford F-150 in Michigan. People tend not to notice such things, which is why the Riviera Collection is available in three unique exterior palettes for Monegasque customers - Aegean Blue, Aquamarine, and Caribbean Blue.

These paint options immediately set it apart from a standard GTC. Even the carbon fiber body kit and rear spoiler are painted in the same hue.

The interior features several sailing-inspired features. These include a bespoke interior color split, marine knot logos on the headrests, Linen hide, Alcantara trim, and personalized Riviera Collection treadplate plaques.

"The Mulliner Riviera Collection shows how Bentley has responded to the high customer demand for personalization and bespoke exclusivity," said Balazs Rooz, Regional Director of Bentley Europe. "Bentley Monaco's understanding of the yachting world, a key focus of the principality, together with the know-how of our Mulliner designers, have created truly exceptional and unique cars. This will complement the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline and surroundings where this one-off Continental GT Convertible will likely be driven and enjoyed."

There has been some confusion about Bentley Mulliner, so it's worth clearing up. Yes, the company dates back more than 500 years, even though cars weren't as popular in the 1500s. Mullinar started building luxury horse-drawn carriages, and it has existed ever since. Its relationship with Bentley began in 1923 when it built a body on top of a Bentley 3 Litre chassis for the Olympia Show in London.

It's also worth keeping in mind that there are three levels of Mullinar. You get Curated By Mulliner, which you can add via the normal online configurator. Mulliner Bespoke is a step up, and these cars boast features only available through the retailer. These include models like the Riviera Collection, as well as the 80 vehicles recently sent to China.

Mulliner Coachbuilt is the top level, and these cars are true one-off creations like the sold-out Bentley Bacalar and its replacement, the recently unveiled Mulliner Batur.