Bentley dedicates three unique Continentals to Copernicus, with the convertible cast as the Sun
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Bentley Mulliner has built three unique Continentals for the Polish market, representing the Sun, Earth and Moon and paying tribute to the legacy of Mikołaj Kopernik (Nicolaus Copernicus in Latin). Each car is one of a kind, and all three have already found owners.
The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection was created at the initiative of Bentley Warsaw in collaboration with Mulliner. The Polish dealership earned the opportunity to create its own collection after ranking among Bentley’s top three European dealers. The project took nearly two years to complete.
The Sun, Earth and Moon
The most striking of the trio is “The Sun”, based on the Continental GTC S convertible. Its Manuka Orange bodywork is complemented by a black roof, while the cabin combines orange leather with Gravity Grey and Copper Stone trim panels.
“The Earth” is a Continental GT S coupé finished by Mulliner in a special Nebula Blue colour. The blue continues inside in Aegean Blue and Imperial Blue leather, along with Galaxy Stone stone trim.
“The Moon” also uses the GT S coupé, but its Moonstruck Silver bodywork and Beluga- and Ice-toned interior make it the most understated member of the trio.
The cars are united by a Copernican diagram depicting the orbits of the eight planets, from Mercury to Neptune. The motif appears on the centre console, the quilted surfaces of the seats and the welcome lighting. The details are taken from Copernicus’s work “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres” (“De revolutionibus orbium coelestium”).
Mulliner naturally went further, because embroidering planets alone is apparently not enough at this price point. The cars come with personalised key boxes, fragrances, silk scarves and even a separate music selection.
No space technology under the bonnet
Despite the astronomical theme, the engineering remains firmly on Earth. All three use the Continental GT S’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain. The system produces 500 kW and 930 Nm.
Equipment includes 22-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and a titanium sports exhaust. Mulliner has not increased the engine’s output or reworked the chassis.
That is the project’s real essence. Bentley has not created three new models, but rather demonstrates how far the personalisation of an already expensive Continental can be taken.
Such activity is becoming increasingly important in the European luxury car market. Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Bentley are increasingly making money from wealthier customers by selling not only a car, but also uniqueness. Developing a new engine is expensive; embroidering the Solar System into blue leather is considerably less so.
Copernicus removed Earth from the centre of the universe. Mulliner has finally managed to put it back at the centre, at least on the upholstery of one very expensive Bentley seat.
