Bentley and Mulliner create a unique Bentayga that pays tribute to a hero of the First World War

Normally, when we talk about a one-off created by a manufacturer, it stems from the ideas of a wealthy customer who wants to add a unique unit to their garage. It is rarely a company that makes this request, but in this case it is, and not just any company: Private White VC, prestigious British clothing manufacturers who have dressed a multitude of personalities around the world as well as ordinary people with deep pockets, as you can imagine.

But to understand why Private White VC decided to join forces with Bentley and Mulliner to create a one-off in which the Bentayga is the star, we need to look at some history. It goes back to soldier Jack White, who served with the 6th King’s Own Battalion during the First World War and was honoured with the Victoria Cross for the bravery he showed in rescuing an officer and vital equipment when they were under attack. The only way out alive was to cross a river in a boat, to which White tied a telephone cable so he could control it, and, towing it while swimming, he brought the officer on board, the equipment and the dying comrades to the other bank.

When Jack White completed his military service, he began working as an apprentice pattern cutter at a raincoat factory and, thanks to his good work, gradually rose through the ranks until, in 1934, he became managing director of the company, which had grown thanks to the work it did for the Ministry of Defence. That is how Private White VC was born, and it has since evolved into a maker of high-quality, well-designed garments, based in Manchester. With a history of more than 100 years, it now wants to pay tribute to its past in a unique vehicle.

To do so, the brand chose, as I mentioned above, Bentley and its Mulliner craftsmen, using as a base the Bentayga in its Azure version, the one focused on offering greater comfort to its occupants. Also drawing inspiration from the brand’s current clothing line, this one-off Bentayga features several copper-coloured details that represent the cables Jack White used for that feat. On the exterior, the Blackline specification has been used, so all the inserts turn glossy black, together with tinted rear windows and 22-inch machined wheels used as a contrast.

Inside, the seat upholstery and door panels feature clean stitching lines representing the style of military clothing, with copper colour taking centre stage in the embroidery and the Private White VC lettering, while the Victoria Cross is engraved on the headrests. The rear seats follow the same design line, and loose cushions made from Lancashire-woven cashmere fabric have been added, with a pattern reminiscent of Jack White’s regiment’s military blanket.

On the dashboard, anodised copper controls have been installed, and in the wooden inlay on the passenger side you can see the silhouette of Cottenham House, the Private White VC factory built in 1853. In addition, there are custom sill plates bearing the company name and, as a “hidden” detail, in the door pockets for storing items a bulldog’s head has been engraved, representing the company’s mascot.

Bentley has not revealed who the buyer of this unique unit is, since, yes, it already has an assigned owner, and obviously they have also kept the price secret, although as you can guess it was surely not especially cheap.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBentley Bentayga12 versions · from 216,580 €