Description
Book SynopsisFrom a small design team working on the Silver Spirit/Mulsanne, to becoming Chief Stylist, Graham Hull peels back the curtain on an idiosyncratic institution during his time at Crewe. Throwing light on a factory motivated as much by pride as the bottom-line, all of the projects - whether production, special commission, or aborted designs - are covered, and the often unique styling process is explored. This process was a key element in the resurgence of the dormant Bentley marque, that, with its fortunes on the rise, became the star of the Geneva Motor Show, attracting commissions from wealthy enthusiasts for totally bespoke vehicles. Founding fathers Royce and Rolls melded engineering with marketing, but as marketing took over, this union fractured. The drama of how this British institution was divided between BMW and VW, and how aesthetic design, never cherished by British management, was increasingly recognised, is fundamental to the story. The bewildering number of projects during the 1990s is a genuine eye-opener and a phenomena that demanded unique people, skills, and facilities.
Trade ReviewSometimes eccentric, often humours, the workings of this uniquely British institution during a period of immense change are described in detail. - Classics Monthly. There's appeal for anyone interested in car design, so rare is detailed insight into the process. – Classic Car Weekly.
Table of ContentsGlossary Preface & Introduction Dedication Arrival The Styling Department Camargue The styling process SZ Re-birth of Bentley The Colour Committee SX Mulliner Park Ward Bentley Continental R His Master's voice Java Chief Executives Replacing the Silver Spirit The drama of the 1990s Corniche Styling viewings Bentley Bali VW/Bentley; BMW/Rolls-Royce Back into the ranks Reflections 60th anniversary of car production at Crewe Appendix Sequence of styling development for the exteriors of three motorcars Index
