When a client asked Bentley’s Mulliner division to push the envelope, the result is anything but understated. The latest Continental GTC Speed has been painted in a rare purple called Violette, a color with roots in Bentley’s past but rarely seen today. Paired with a bold tri-tone interior, this car isn’t designed to blend in — it’s built to make a statement.
Bentley’s Paint Shop retains archives of historic colors and the technical mastery to remaster them on modern cars. In this case, “Violette” was revived to reflect the client’s appetite for individuality and to break away from conventional luxury norms. The project highlights how Bentley customers increasingly demand personalization and expression over predictability.
Bespoke “Violette” exterior and design choices
Reviving Violette was no casual decision. Bentley’s Paint Shop team dug into archive colour samples and master files to re-create the hue. The process involves layering and precision matching so that the finish feels both historically grounded and technically modern. Gloss Black trim and brightware elements were chosen to contrast sharply with the violet tones, accentuating the boldness.
The roof is a seven-layer material canvas weave in dark grey metallic—chosen to complement rather than compete with Violette. That contrast is deliberate: the designers wanted the purple to dominate, while the supporting tones let it shine without becoming overwhelming.
Custom tri-tone interior and craftsmanship
On the inside, Mulliner matched the exterior’s vibrancy with a tri-tone palette. Tanzanite Purple hides appear on the centre console, 3D leather door panels, steering wheel accents, and seat backs. Linen hides soften the visual weight and provide contrast on seats, parts of the steering wheel, and console surfaces. Lilac threads and piping tie the tones together in the stitching, the gear lever, and the straight-ahead mark on the steering wheel.
Stone veneer panels in complementary tones add tactile texture and elegance. These veneers are extremely lightweight and crafted from actual stone using techniques developed by Bentley.
The interior also features Bentley’s rotating display, Naim for Bentley audio, and the Dark Chrome interior specification, elements of modern Bentley technology. This car is a study in craftsmanship that elevates the grand tourer into a personal statement.
