See how Rolls-Royce created a unique, candy apple red Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coup�, and developed a paint, which we named after the car�s owner.
Showing posts with label Rolls-Royce Bespoke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rolls-Royce Bespoke. Show all posts
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A unique, candy apple red Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coup�!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Abu Dhabi Motors� bespoke �Pearl of Arabia� Rolls-Royce Phantom!
It has been some time since the last bespoke Rolls-Royce by Abu Dhabi Motors (earlier post), and this is the latest one inspired by Arabian Gulf heritage. Below is the news story as published by Abu Dhabi Motors.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have announced the arrival of an exclusive and unique vehicle to the region � the �Pearl of Arabia.� One of only six 2010 Middle East Bespoke Phantom commissions, this exceptional car was custom built for Abu Dhabi Motors, and is now available at the authorised Rolls-Royce dealer�s showroom in Umm Al Nar.
With its design rich in Arabian Gulf heritage, the �Pearl of Arabia� represents the perpetual memories of the Arabic people, back when the region�s economic life depended heavily on the ancient art of pearl diving.
Inspiration was also drawn from the design and craftsmanship of Arabic architecture that embodies a distinguishing motif of ordered repetition, radiating structures and rhythmic metric patterns. With an all new bespoke exterior paint developed exclusively for the region, the Sandstone Metallic draws heavily on the natural stone that many ancient and modern day Arabic constructions are built from. The simple yet striking nature of the colour signifies the rich foundation of the region, and contrasts perfectly with the upper two-tone paint combination with Cornish White that itself is a nod to the rich colour within an oyster shell.
The Bespoke Programme, which has the highest global uptake in this region and has been met with overwhelming success, is a service offered to Rolls-Royce clients whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create one�s own, unique model. The Bespoke team at Goodwood is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars.
The 2010 Middle East bespoke collection clearly demonstrates the level of personalisation that can be achieved thanks to the skill of Rolls-Royce designers. Abu Dhabi Motors have worked with the Rolls-Royce design team in Goodwood to define the aesthetics of this exclusive vehicle to create a model as individual as the region it is inspired by.
Special leather interior finishings in seashell natural grain provide a harmonious balance with the Sandstone Metallic exterior paint. This carefully chosen leather colour accentuates the Parchment veneered seat valances and comes with contrasting stitching in Navy Blue for extra detailing. Exquisite hand knotted silk rugs commissioned to complement the marquetry in the fascia and door cappings, and the instrument panel top and steering wheel also specified in Navy Blue, showcase a selection of classic interior design elements, Bespoke to the �Pearl of Arabia.�
An exclusive Bespoke clock has been designed specifically for the 2010 Middle East Phantom Commission. Complete with a unique centre disc in Sterling Silver with an engraved pattern and inset Mother of Pearl, the hand-crafted clock is further distinguished with an outer ring colour matched to the Sandstone Metallic exterior paint. This commission also includes Bespoke glovebox embroidery and personalised treadplates to enhance the car�s unique nature
This Bespoke commission was designed in-house and developed on site by craftsmen at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars plant in Goodwood, England and will be showcased at the Rolls-Royce showroom in Abu Dhabi.
With its design rich in Arabian Gulf heritage, the �Pearl of Arabia� represents the perpetual memories of the Arabic people, back when the region�s economic life depended heavily on the ancient art of pearl diving.
Inspiration was also drawn from the design and craftsmanship of Arabic architecture that embodies a distinguishing motif of ordered repetition, radiating structures and rhythmic metric patterns. With an all new bespoke exterior paint developed exclusively for the region, the Sandstone Metallic draws heavily on the natural stone that many ancient and modern day Arabic constructions are built from. The simple yet striking nature of the colour signifies the rich foundation of the region, and contrasts perfectly with the upper two-tone paint combination with Cornish White that itself is a nod to the rich colour within an oyster shell.
The Bespoke Programme, which has the highest global uptake in this region and has been met with overwhelming success, is a service offered to Rolls-Royce clients whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create one�s own, unique model. The Bespoke team at Goodwood is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars.
The 2010 Middle East bespoke collection clearly demonstrates the level of personalisation that can be achieved thanks to the skill of Rolls-Royce designers. Abu Dhabi Motors have worked with the Rolls-Royce design team in Goodwood to define the aesthetics of this exclusive vehicle to create a model as individual as the region it is inspired by.
Special leather interior finishings in seashell natural grain provide a harmonious balance with the Sandstone Metallic exterior paint. This carefully chosen leather colour accentuates the Parchment veneered seat valances and comes with contrasting stitching in Navy Blue for extra detailing. Exquisite hand knotted silk rugs commissioned to complement the marquetry in the fascia and door cappings, and the instrument panel top and steering wheel also specified in Navy Blue, showcase a selection of classic interior design elements, Bespoke to the �Pearl of Arabia.�
An exclusive Bespoke clock has been designed specifically for the 2010 Middle East Phantom Commission. Complete with a unique centre disc in Sterling Silver with an engraved pattern and inset Mother of Pearl, the hand-crafted clock is further distinguished with an outer ring colour matched to the Sandstone Metallic exterior paint. This commission also includes Bespoke glovebox embroidery and personalised treadplates to enhance the car�s unique nature
This Bespoke commission was designed in-house and developed on site by craftsmen at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars plant in Goodwood, England and will be showcased at the Rolls-Royce showroom in Abu Dhabi.
Source: Abu Dhabi Motors
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
More photos of Abu Dhabi Motors� Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe inspired by Shaheen
More than a month ago, I posted this beautiful bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe by Abu Dhabi Motors (earlier post) and now, I came across with those photos having also a better resolution. Enjoy!
Source: Drive Arabia
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Dining out with Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A four-person picnic set finished in polished aluminum, veneer and leather is the latest commissioned feature to be brought to life by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in-house Bespoke design and engineering team. It is just one of around 100 new highly personalised and unique engineering bespoke features that have been developed at Goodwood in the last 18 months.
�Bespoke is the jewel in our crown, the perfect complement to our luxury product line-up,� explained Torsten M�ller-�tv�s, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO. �Customers expect a Rolls-Royce Phantom to be tailored to their individual desires and our team of talented designers and craftspeople are more than happy to deliver.�
What is Rolls-Royce Bespoke?
When Rolls-Royce customers commission a Phantom, they demand more than just a list of standard features and options. Fulfilling that need for personalised service falls to the Bespoke programme.
Bespoke includes the development of anything from the most understated feature such as personalised tread plates, contrast stitching and seat piping to a bold expression of a customer�s desires in the form of personalised veneers and unique exterior paints. Then there are stunning creations like luggage, glassware and the opulent picnic set, all designed in-house at Goodwood.
The programme is run by a small cross functional team encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing and sales. In 2009, Bespoke reached record levels. 75% of all Phantom models made last year included some element of Bespoke, compared to around 50% of cars delivered five years ago. Virtually each and every Phantom sold in the Middle East features commissioned bespoke elements.
Percentage (%) of cars featuring Bespoke elements - 2005 vs. 2009 Phantom family
�Bespoke is the jewel in our crown, the perfect complement to our luxury product line-up,� explained Torsten M�ller-�tv�s, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO. �Customers expect a Rolls-Royce Phantom to be tailored to their individual desires and our team of talented designers and craftspeople are more than happy to deliver.�
What is Rolls-Royce Bespoke?
When Rolls-Royce customers commission a Phantom, they demand more than just a list of standard features and options. Fulfilling that need for personalised service falls to the Bespoke programme.
Bespoke includes the development of anything from the most understated feature such as personalised tread plates, contrast stitching and seat piping to a bold expression of a customer�s desires in the form of personalised veneers and unique exterior paints. Then there are stunning creations like luggage, glassware and the opulent picnic set, all designed in-house at Goodwood.
The programme is run by a small cross functional team encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing and sales. In 2009, Bespoke reached record levels. 75% of all Phantom models made last year included some element of Bespoke, compared to around 50% of cars delivered five years ago. Virtually each and every Phantom sold in the Middle East features commissioned bespoke elements.
Percentage (%) of cars featuring Bespoke elements - 2005 vs. 2009 Phantom family
| 2005 | 2009 | |
| Middle East | 75% | 90% |
| UK | 60% | 75% |
| Europe | 50% | 70% |
| North America | 30% | 60% |
| Asia-Pacific | 50% | 75% |
| Total (All markets) | 50% | 75% |
�We always endeavour to surpass the expectations of our loyal and discerning clientele,� added Thomas G. Jefferson Bespoke sales manager. �Through strong relationships with our dealer network, the Bespoke team�s aim is to create cars as unique and individual as the clients themselves.�
The Bespoke picnic set was first shown in Villa d�Este, Italy in April 2010. It will come to the UK�s exclusive Salon Priv� at the Hurlingham Club in London from 21 to 23 July 2010. Members of the design team will be on hand each day to talk to media about the Bespoke design programme.
The Bespoke picnic set was first shown in Villa d�Este, Italy in April 2010. It will come to the UK�s exclusive Salon Priv� at the Hurlingham Club in London from 21 to 23 July 2010. Members of the design team will be on hand each day to talk to media about the Bespoke design programme.
Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Abu Dhabi Motors� Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe inspired by Shaheen!
Yet another beautiful bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe by Abu Dhabi Motors! Unfortunately, only low-res photos are available at the moment, but I will do my best to find better ones. Below is the news story as published by Abu Dhabi Motors.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The concept of Shaheen focuses on designing a Phantom Coupe which embodies the variety of art and exclusivity. The Shaheen is a very famous falcon, best known for its strength and agility, which is used in the Middle Eastern region to accompany men on their hunting trips. It reflects the power of nature which has been mirrored by Abu Dhabi Motors� latest work of art, the Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe inspired by Shaheen.
Falconry is a very valued tradition in the UAE. This sport was a big part of peoples� lives in the desert. Many think that it came from the Muslim Arabs who went to Byzantine and Persia. It is an ancient sport that has been practiced all over Europe and the Middle East since the 8th Century. Today, you can find descriptions of hunting houbara with falcons in Arabia which date back to more than 700 years ago.
Some claim that the art of falconry started in Mesopotamia; others say it began in the Far East, and historically, falconry was a popular sport and a symbol of status among the nobles of medieval Europe and feudal Japan. In art and in other aspects of culture such as literature, falconry remained a status symbol long after it was no longer popularly practiced.
Some of the Bespoke elements in the Shaheen Phantom Coupe are:
- Shaheen falcon inlay in brass on Phantom plate. Red carbon fibre.
- Embroidered headrests with Shaheen Falcon design.
- Shaheen Motif, especially hand built for Abu Dhabi Motors.
Exterior
- Orchid Pearl Colour
- Twin Coachline in Tudor Red
- 21� Part Polished Star Wheels
- Brushed Steel Package
Interior
- Mugello Red with Seashell Leather
- Carpets, Mats & Starlight in Seashell
- Instrument Panel in Red Carbon Fibre
- White Instrument Dials
- Marine White Veneer
- Veneered Steering Wheel Spokes
- Veneered Interior Cappings
Source: Abu Dhabi Motors
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bespoke Rolls-Royces influenced by Arab themes!!!
Below is the news story as published by Abu Dhabi Motors.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, has played a prominent role in increasing the regional profile of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Programme in recent years. The dealership prides itself on delivering unique, custom- designed models to its clients that are enriched through the application of personal detailing and commemorative flourishes.
The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Programme, which allows customers to create their perfect car designed and built to their exact specification, has been met with overwhelming success in Abu Dhabi. The Bespoke team at Goodwood is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions and strives to find new ways to develop truly unique cars. With over 44,000 colours to choose from, the Bespoke team can personalise models to suit the most discerning palette, encompassing shades that range from subtle and muted to bold and exotic.
The latest arrivals of Bespoke Phantoms have been influenced by Arab themes, as Kadhim Al Helli, Rolls-Royce Brand Manager, Abu Dhabi Motors, explains: �We are keen to exceed the wishes of our customers, hence the Bespoke Programme is the ideal opportunity to further individualize what is considered the most exclusive car in the world.� He continues, �we listen very carefully to our customers and derive ideas for unique cars which reflect the atmosphere of the region.�
The latest Bespoke Phantom Drophead Coup�, developed exclusively for Abu Dhabi, is inspired by the islands off the coast. �This car symbolizes the royalty and distinction associated with the Baniyas name,� said Al Helli. The convertible features an exterior finish of two-tone in black and gold. In keeping with the model�s royal feel, the golden sand and black upholstery consists of 18 different hides that have been exclusively sourced. The interiors are augmented by wood work panelling in walnut burr veneer and include a gold plated Spirit of Ecstasy applied to the fascia.
Other recently delivered Bespoke Phantom Coup�s are specified in a way that underpins the individual character of each car. For example two are finished in outstanding Bespoke exterior colours: Moonstone and Bronze. Special interior finishings in cr�me light and dark spice complement the stunning exterior of the cars. Features like Mother of Pearl inlays to the control knobs and a silver inlay dhow sail design to the door cappings and fascia panel showcase the nearly limitless levels of Bespoke, shown on a Middle East Bespoke Collection Phantom limousine.
�Rolls-Royce is all about individuality, exclusivity and engineering prowess,� added Al Helli and concluded, �the Bespoke programme delivers on that expectation to the most discerning clientele in the world�.
Source: Abu Dhabi Motors
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once again, I would like to thank the Marketing Supervisor of Abu Dhabi Motors for all the help and material provided.
Related posts: Bespoke Yas Eagle Rolls-Royce range by Abu Dhabi Motors, Car production: Labour hours required & some fine examples of craftsmanship!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Car production: Labour hours required & some fine examples of craftsmanship!
�Hours per vehicle reflect the time worked by all direct and indirect labour involved in manufacturing a vehicle. This includes both hourly and salaried workers who are assigned to each company�s stamping, engine, transmission, and assembly plants. The total hours worked are divided by the number of vehicles produced in the calendar year to yield the labour hours per vehicle. It is not a measure of how long it takes for the vehicle to be assembled, rather it measures the quantity of labour required to produce a vehicle.� *
The average time required for a car to be built is around 30 - 35 hours and the graph below provides a global productivity comparison. Note that those labour hours don't take into account the hours required for components supplied by external suppliers. Also, you should bear in mind that more labour hours don't necessarily mean better quality, as too often, large numbers of people and labour hours are devoted to inspecting and repairing vehicles that have not been built right in the first place.
In 2009 issue of Oliver Wyman's automotivemanager, there some interesting facts regarding the gap between automakers, which you can read below.
�Of the six largest automakers in North America (General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, and Nissan), the gap between the most and least productive is now just 3.5 labour hours per vehicle, or about USD 260, down from 10.51 labour hours, or USD 709 per vehicle in 2003. Chrysler showed the biggest improvement, cutting its total manufacturing labour hours per vehicle by 8 percent to 30.37, approximately the same number recorded by Toyota. Performances of the other four companies were all similar: Honda, 31.33 hours; General Motors, 32.29 hours; Nissan, 32.96 hours; and Ford, 33.88 hours.� *
�In Europe, the gap between the most and least productive remains wide (from less than 20 hours per vehicle at the best plants to more than 60 at the worst). Some automakers have made substantial progress toward the types of sustainable manufacturing processes that characterize the world�s best competitors. Others have only just started or are just starting to implement the most basic tools of lean production.� *
So now, you can understand the price difference between a BMW 760Li and a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Achieving the highest level of quality and craftsmanship requires a lot of time and this is what you pay. A BMW 7 Series requires an average of 51 hours in order to be built, while a Ghost... 20 days! A BMW 760Li costs in Germany (base price) �121,260.50 + VAT, while the base price for a Rolls-Royce Ghost is �213,000.00 + VAT (the Ghost borrows 20% of its parts from BMW F01 platform underpinning the 7 Series, while it has a wheelbase, roof height, bonnet height and track widths all of its own).
Some fine examples of British craftsmanship!
Below you can read some impressive facts related to the craftsmanship of Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars, which offer unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides and paint colours ensuring that the needs of all customers can be matched perfectly.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coup� uses an all-aluminium spaceframe, first seen in the Phantom. Manufactured to within a tolerance of just 0.1 mm / 0.004 in, each spaceframe is constructed by hand and then checked by computer to ensure total accuracy. The body�s structure, comprised of box sections of aluminium, is painstakingly hand-welded by a team of experts. Every morning, each member of the team performs a 300 mm test weld to ascertain atmospheric effects on the metal with which they are working so that these can be taken into account. In all, more than 130 metres of weld are used to create the Coup�s spaceframe.
Five layers of paint and clear lacquer are applied to each Rolls-Royce � seven if it�s a two-tone car � and between each application, technicians sand the body by hand. After the final layer has been applied, the body is hand-polished for five hours. Which is why when you look closely at the car's paint work, you�ll see a perfect reflection of yourself staring back at you. The painting process takes in total seven days to achieve. In that time, they spend longer sanding the bodyshell between coats by hand than they do painting it. Customers can choose from 15 standard exterior paint colours, or 45,000 Bespoke colours, for their Phantom.
Each set of veneers comes from a single tree to create a simple, seamless, flow of high-gloss wood from the fascia through the whole car. Depending on specification, up to 43 wood parts are used in each Rolls-Royce Phantom (this translates to more than 10m2 of wood). Each of these is constructed from up to 28 layers of wood, interspersed with thin sheets of aluminium to ensure strength and to prevent splintering in the event of an impact.
It takes between 15 and 18 hides to upholster one Phantom � more for the Phantom Extended Wheelbase. Each one comes from specially selected herds of cattle, and only the most supple mature bull hides are used. Each hide is checked meticulously by hand to identify any imperfections. The 450 individual leather parts are then cut out using a precision laser before being carefully stitched by hand.
Three different types of leather are used: natural grain for the seats and trims, pre-shrunk in sun-lit areas and tipped (embossed) on the centre console and door trims to provide an attractive variation.
It takes, on average, 460 hours to hand-build each Phantom, not including engine or body-building time.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost passes through 60 pairs of hands before it�s handed over to the customer. Modern manufacturing processes combine with traditional craft skills to turn the bodyshell into the finished car. In all, it involves over 2,000 individual operations and takes 20 days to complete. The body is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Ghost�s frame contains 4.9 m of seam weld and braze and 6,988 spot-welds. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminium.
A Bentley Mulsanne takes 9 weeks to complete and over 170 hours, almost half the entire build process, go into crafting the interior! Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch (and three times longer if the customer opts for cross-stitching). Stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes two weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.
The old-school Bentley models, Azure / Arnage / Brookland, are by far my favourite ones and the first chance I got to seat behind the steering wheel of such a car was at the British International Motor Show back in 1999 (it was a beautiful red Arnage!!!). Every veneer leaf is just 0.6mm thick and in the two weeks that it takes to prepare the wood for one car's interior, the veneers are given five coats of lacquer and three days of curing time before being wax polished by hand. The wood shop uses no bleaching or staining techniques; the rich colour of the veneers is entirely natural. It can take as many as 24 leaves of veneer to make the main veneered components of a Bentley cabin.
Each leaf of veneer can be traced back to the tree from which it came. The most popular choice is Burr Walnut, the distinctive pattern coming from a fungus in the root ball. These root balls, generally around 1 metre in diameter, would typically be over eighty years old. Each tree used for veneer is past its fruit-bearing age and is replaced with three more. Up to 6.2m2 of veneer is used in every standard Azure / Arnage / Brookland, each wood-set taking approximately sixty hours to complete.
It takes 17 separate hides to create the leather surrounds of the Azure / Arnage / Brookland interior cabin. To avoid any variation in texture between the different hides, they are selected and cut at the same time after being minutely inspected for imperfections. Even something as slight as a scratch or an insect bite will cause a hide to be rejected, which is why our hides are selected from herds in Northern Europe, renowned for their remarkable lack of imperfections (e.g. no mosquito bites).
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coup� uses an all-aluminium spaceframe, first seen in the Phantom. Manufactured to within a tolerance of just 0.1 mm / 0.004 in, each spaceframe is constructed by hand and then checked by computer to ensure total accuracy. The body�s structure, comprised of box sections of aluminium, is painstakingly hand-welded by a team of experts. Every morning, each member of the team performs a 300 mm test weld to ascertain atmospheric effects on the metal with which they are working so that these can be taken into account. In all, more than 130 metres of weld are used to create the Coup�s spaceframe.
Five layers of paint and clear lacquer are applied to each Rolls-Royce � seven if it�s a two-tone car � and between each application, technicians sand the body by hand. After the final layer has been applied, the body is hand-polished for five hours. Which is why when you look closely at the car's paint work, you�ll see a perfect reflection of yourself staring back at you. The painting process takes in total seven days to achieve. In that time, they spend longer sanding the bodyshell between coats by hand than they do painting it. Customers can choose from 15 standard exterior paint colours, or 45,000 Bespoke colours, for their Phantom.
Each set of veneers comes from a single tree to create a simple, seamless, flow of high-gloss wood from the fascia through the whole car. Depending on specification, up to 43 wood parts are used in each Rolls-Royce Phantom (this translates to more than 10m2 of wood). Each of these is constructed from up to 28 layers of wood, interspersed with thin sheets of aluminium to ensure strength and to prevent splintering in the event of an impact.
It takes between 15 and 18 hides to upholster one Phantom � more for the Phantom Extended Wheelbase. Each one comes from specially selected herds of cattle, and only the most supple mature bull hides are used. Each hide is checked meticulously by hand to identify any imperfections. The 450 individual leather parts are then cut out using a precision laser before being carefully stitched by hand.
Three different types of leather are used: natural grain for the seats and trims, pre-shrunk in sun-lit areas and tipped (embossed) on the centre console and door trims to provide an attractive variation.
It takes, on average, 460 hours to hand-build each Phantom, not including engine or body-building time.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost passes through 60 pairs of hands before it�s handed over to the customer. Modern manufacturing processes combine with traditional craft skills to turn the bodyshell into the finished car. In all, it involves over 2,000 individual operations and takes 20 days to complete. The body is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Ghost�s frame contains 4.9 m of seam weld and braze and 6,988 spot-welds. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminium.
A Bentley Mulsanne takes 9 weeks to complete and over 170 hours, almost half the entire build process, go into crafting the interior! Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch (and three times longer if the customer opts for cross-stitching). Stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes two weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.
The old-school Bentley models, Azure / Arnage / Brookland, are by far my favourite ones and the first chance I got to seat behind the steering wheel of such a car was at the British International Motor Show back in 1999 (it was a beautiful red Arnage!!!). Every veneer leaf is just 0.6mm thick and in the two weeks that it takes to prepare the wood for one car's interior, the veneers are given five coats of lacquer and three days of curing time before being wax polished by hand. The wood shop uses no bleaching or staining techniques; the rich colour of the veneers is entirely natural. It can take as many as 24 leaves of veneer to make the main veneered components of a Bentley cabin.
Each leaf of veneer can be traced back to the tree from which it came. The most popular choice is Burr Walnut, the distinctive pattern coming from a fungus in the root ball. These root balls, generally around 1 metre in diameter, would typically be over eighty years old. Each tree used for veneer is past its fruit-bearing age and is replaced with three more. Up to 6.2m2 of veneer is used in every standard Azure / Arnage / Brookland, each wood-set taking approximately sixty hours to complete.
It takes 17 separate hides to create the leather surrounds of the Azure / Arnage / Brookland interior cabin. To avoid any variation in texture between the different hides, they are selected and cut at the same time after being minutely inspected for imperfections. Even something as slight as a scratch or an insect bite will cause a hide to be rejected, which is why our hides are selected from herds in Northern Europe, renowned for their remarkable lack of imperfections (e.g. no mosquito bites).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
