Salon Privé, the UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party, is set to elevate the luxury car scene once again with the presence of Bentley Mulliner at its 2024 event. Hosted at the iconic Blenheim Palace from August 28-31, this year’s event promises to be a feast for the eyes, particularly with the debut of two of Bentley’s rarest creations: the Bentley Bacalar and the Bentley Batur.
As Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner has a storied history, but the Bacalar and Batur are perhaps its most stunning modern-day achievements. These cars are not just rare; they are almost mythical in their exclusivity. The Bentley Bacalar is one of just 12 vehicles ever made, while the Batur is limited to 18. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the opportunity to see these masterpieces in action at Salon Privé is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Bentley Bacalar: A Return to Bespoke Coachbuilding
The Bentley Bacalar, revealed in 2020, marked Mulliner’s triumphant return to bespoke coachbuilding. Designed as the ultimate expression of two-seat, open-air luxury, the Bacalar draws inspiration from the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car. With its roofless ‘Barchetta’ design and ultra-modern wrap-around cockpit, the Bacalar is a sight to behold. Its semi-enclosed rear compartment, designed to house bespoke luggage crafted by renowned Italian leather goods company Schedoni, adds a touch of personalized luxury that only Bentley can deliver.
Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of the Bacalar’s design. The car was produced in the world’s first certified carbon-neutral facility for luxury car production, using materials as unique as rice husk ash paint and 5,000-year-old Riverwood. Each of the 12 Bacalars was handcrafted to reflect the personal tastes of its owner, making every car a true one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The Bacalar’s name is inspired by Laguna Bacalar, a breathtaking natural wonder located on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The car’s striking Scarab Green color, chosen by one of its owners, is a fitting tribute to the natural beauty that inspired its name.
The Bentley Batur: A New Design Language for Bentley
Unveiled in the summer of 2022, the Bentley Batur is a bold step forward in design and engineering. Limited to just 18 units, the Batur introduced Bentley’s new design language, combining classic elegance with a modern, muscular stance. The car is the most powerful W12 Bentley in history, boasting an astonishing 750PS and 1,000Nm of torque. Its advanced chassis and exclusive calibration make it a technological marvel, while its bespoke design ensures that no two Baturs are alike.
The Batur is named after Lake Batur on the island of Bali, Indonesia—a crater lake that is as deep and mysterious as the car that bears its name. The stunning Aqua-Marine prototype, which will be showcased at Salon Privé, captures the serene beauty of its namesake, while also hinting at the raw power beneath its elegant exterior.
A Celebration of Mulliner’s Craftsmanship
Bentley Mulliner is more than just a division of Bentley Motors; it is a legacy of craftsmanship and luxury that dates back centuries. Mulliner’s work spans three distinct portfolios: Curated by Mulliner, Bespoke, and Coachbuilt by Mulliner. Each portfolio offers a different level of customization and exclusivity, from the most luxurious derivatives of Bentley’s production models to one-of-a-kind creations like the Bacalar and Batur.
Mulliner’s Coachbuilt division is responsible for some of the most iconic vehicles in Bentley’s history, including the 1929 Team 4 ½ litre supercharged Bentley Blower and the 1930 Bentley Speed Six. In the modern era, the Bacalar and Batur continue this tradition, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.
Salon Privé 2024: A Gathering of the Extraordinary
As Salon Privé celebrates its 19th year, the presence of Bentley Mulliner’s Bacalar and Batur underscores the event’s reputation as the pinnacle of luxury automotive events. With both cars participating in the famous Salon Privé Parade, guests will have the rare opportunity to see these extraordinary vehicles in motion, a true testament to the artistry and innovation that defines Bentley Mulliner.
David Bagley, Director of Salon Privé, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Bentley to Salon Privé with these two remarkable creations from Mulliner. The Bentley Batur is one of just 18, and the Bentley Bacalar is even rarer, being one of 12. To have them both together at Blenheim Palace for our guests to inspect is very exciting, and I can’t wait to see them underway in the Salon Privé Parade.”
For those fortunate enough to attend, Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace will be an unforgettable experience, a celebration of the finest in automotive craftsmanship and luxury.
