Bentley Debuts Massive $254,000 Book for 100th Anniversary
Available in three editions, Bentley Centenary Opus focuses on brand’s history and future, and makes Bentley owners part of the story.
The proliferation of digital media has created an electronic ecosystem that allows readers to access their desired material on nearly any device they choose. While this development is great for accessibility, it eliminates the unique tactile experience of owning a physical copy of the work in question, which can negate the impact of whatever material is being consumed. Bentley Motors seems to be aware of this all-too-common aspect of modern life, which is why they’ve partnered with boutique book publisher Opus to create something truly special for their most dedicated owners. The luxury book publisher has chronicled the history of many world famous organizations and institutions, including the National Football League and the Saatchi Gallery. Their collaboration has created something a bit more substantial than your average mass-market paperback: The Bentley Centenary Opus–and we’re not just saying this because the book retails for $3,950.
At almost 40 inches wide when opened and weighing over 65 pounds, The Bentley Centenary Opus is the biggest book ever produced on the story of an automotive brand. Adding further distinction, the book was designed, printed and hand-bound by master binders in England and features never-seen-before images, rare historical content and photography exclusive to the Bentley Opus.
Available in three distinct versions–the Centenary, the Mulliner, and the 100 Carat limited editions–the books are confined to an exclusive print run of 100 copies worldwide for Mulliner, 500 copies worldwide for Centenary, and just seven for 100 Carat. Highlights of the Mulliner edition–which retails for a whopping $16,000–include exclusive Polaroid portraits that showcase 10 landmark Bentleys, and a collection of 56 Bentley model watercolors commissioned exclusively for the Bentley Opus project and individually painted on silk paper.
A piece of Bentley racing history completes the Mulliner edition with a section of competition Michelin rubber crafted from the race-used tire taken from the 24-hour Le Mans-winning Speed 8 of 2003. This historic element is inlaid into the inside cover of the Mulliner clamshell presentation case.
The third version of the book, the exquisite 100 Carat edition is adorned with 100 carats of diamonds and limited to an exclusive issue of seven–one for each continent. The iconic Wings badge is set in a choice of white gold or platinum to enhance the stunning diamond border. This one will set you back approximately $254,000.
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