LINLEY is delighted to announce a unique collaboration with Bentley Motors for the creation of a limited edition of 10 Continental Flying Spurs.
The limited edition CFS models will be sold in China, reflecting continuing demand by Bentley’s biggest four-door market. They will incorporate signature Linley elements designed to appeal to customers who value pedigree and lineage, handcrafted quality and peerless design.
Specially selected Linley veneers in Santos rosewood are being applied to the fascia, consol, waistrail and roof console and integrated within the cars for the first time. The veneers cover the entire wood surfaces of the model, where Bentley chestnut or walnut would normally be used.
David Linley, Chairman of Linley, comments: “It is a great honour to be working alongside such an esteemed British brand as Bentley. Our two brands share a commitment to superlative craftsmanship and design. I believe that the culmination of our efforts will result in a car that is utterly unique and reflective of the passion that both brands share for pushing boundaries of engineering and excellence.”
The iconic Linley Helix motif has been taken from the distinctive Linley Helix Furniture Collection and is being set, using the highly specialised skill of marquetry inlay, into the waist-rails and picnic table of the Flying Spurs. The Helix pattern is made up of four different types of veneer which contrast with the Santos rosewood to show the wave effect delivered by the marquetry.
In addition, the rear console is being modified for a customer-commissioned Linley humidor.
Brett Boydell, senior designer at Bentley, says: “A special box has been designed by Linley which drops into a unique console. We have reconfigured the console so that the box can fit in, moving things around and creating a space. It was an engineering feat to meet the quality requirements of a Bentley and the design cues of Linley.”
The project has been worked on by Mark Blanchard, Head of Design at Linley, who comments: “It has been an exciting and challenging project to work on. We designed the interior within the stringent constraints specified by Bentley, however we ensured the car exemplified Linley craftsmanship.
“The car had to look different and we wanted a strong statement inside the interior, so we chose Santos rosewood, a straight grain veneer. Bentley usually uses burr veneers for their interiors as they are more malleable around compound curves. Using a straight grain veneer was a new challenge but together we succeeded and the final results look stunning.”
Stainless steel Linley treadplates will feature on the cars, as will a Linley for Bentley rhodium-plated plaque in the glove box. Modified fluting on the seats will feature burnt oak contrast stitching, with additional burnt oak hide accentuating the storage areas and door pockets.
A Linley branded leather bag with a sumptuous cashmere blanket and other Linley items such as a leather luggage tag will be included in the boot of the limited edition Flying Spurs.
In working with Blanchard, Boydell ensured that all Bentley automotive quality processes were integrated with the design work.
There were several design challenges, says Boydell. “For instance, the marquetry of the Helix pattern had to be combined with the manufacturing standards and processes which we adhere to in the automotive industry.
“The collaboration is a ringing endorsement of two great British brands working closely together. We have achieved a very high-class product which has the recognisable signs of Linley entwined into a Bentley. We are offering customers the chance to own a highly customised piece of British heritage.
“I hope the collaboration will be a springboard for future projects.”
For further information please contact Christina Kenyon-Slaney or Annie Gregory on 0207 824 7202.
Notes to Editors
Bentley Motors is the third largest R&D investor in the UK's automotive sector and the 18th largest nationally. The company employs almost 4,000 people in Crewe which is home to all its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury vehicle manufacturers such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley exports over £500m worth of goods every year to established markets like the US, as well as emerging markets such as China and South America.
Bentley recently announced its global sales for the first half of 2011. Sales were up by 20% to 2,978 the best start to a year by Bentley since 2008. The surge in sales has been led by demand for Bentley’s newly launched Continental GT as well as the all-new Mulsanne. The growing popularity of the brand in China, where sales have increased by 57% to become Bentley’s second largest – but fastest growing – market has been instrumental in this improved performance. However, traditional markets such as Europe and the Americas have also performed strongly, up by 25% and 23% respectively and increasing market share.
About Linley
David Linley founded his eponymous business in 1985 with the aim of designing and manufacturing furniture of the highest quality. Some 25 years on, the now well established British design company Linley enjoys international prominence as both a retail and bespoke business specialising in the design and production of furniture, upholstery and accessories of a superlative quality. The company also offers a fully comprehensive interior design service.
Linley has become known for its imaginative use of wood in the design of furniture, using a balance of traditional and modern techniques to achieve the best possible result whether for an individual piece or an entire room. Woods used range from the more traditional walnut and sycamore to bold and exotic Macassar ebony. The company, which has grown to epitomise quintessential British style, has developed expertise in working in a variety of disciplines and is skilled in the use of metal work, glass, leather and other materials used in interior design projects.
Linley’s products are currently sold through two London shops (Linley Belgravia and Linley Mayfair). Gifts and accessories are also sold through the website www.davidlinley.com and from the Linley shop at Harrods 2nd Floor, Brompton Road, London SW1.
David Linley
David's creative ability was nurtured by his parents, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, from an early age as they encouraged his passion for making things. His father, an eminent photographer, was particularly influential, having himself trained as an architect and designed among other things the Aviary at London Zoo. David attended Bedales School, an alternative school which emphasises arts and crafts, where he developed an avid interest in wood-working, honing his professional skills at a specially designated School for Craftsmen in Wood.
David has written four books and has lectured around the world at prestigious venues such as the V&A Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2006, David took up the position of Chairman of Christie's UK, in addition to his role as Chairman of Linley. David lives in London with his wife Serena, son Charles and daughter Margarita.
