Bentley Blends Heritage, Craft, and Conceptual Grandeur at Monterey Car Week
Bentley returns to this year’s Monterey Car Week with an ambitious program that weaves together historic reverence and future-forward vision — much of it making its public debut. The brand’s showcase spans fourth-generation models, conceptual design studies, storied rarities and even a handcrafted surfboard, all wrapped in a blend of luxury and symbolic philanthropy.
Introducing EXP 15
Bentley’s design exploration, EXP 15, makes its world premiere at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Stretching over five meters, this concept features a commanding upright grille, an “infinite” hood and a cabin pushed dramatically rearward. Its design pays direct tribute to the iconic 1930 Bentley Speed Six “Blue Train” coupe — which itself appears for the first time in Monterey, both on the road and as part of Bentley’s own exhibition space.
New Models, New Tech, New Finish
At The Quail, Bentley presents its freshly updated Continental GT, GTC, Flying Spur and Bentayga Speed to an American audience. The GT Speed debuts a new “ombre” paint finish — a seamless two-tone fade from front to rear — available via Mulliner. Mulliner also reveals the Batur Convertible, marking its first U.S. appearance.
Attendees can get behind the wheel of Bentley’s entire fourth-generation lineup. The latest Continental GT and Azure trims now feature the High Performance Hybrid system: a 4.0-liter V8 paired with an electric motor for a combined 680 horsepower and 930 Nm of torque.
Surfboard Auction and the Art of Craft
Bonhams will auction a handcrafted Bentley surfboard, inlaid with Koa veneer sourced directly from the Crewe woodshop. Proceeds benefit SurfabilityUK, a nonprofit that enables individuals with physical disabilities to surf — including at a competitive level.
Bentley is once again showcasing its “Home of Bentley” experience: an exclusive lounge for clients, complete with craft-themed exhibits and a co-creation space where guests can collaborate with factory designers on bespoke features.
A Time Capsule Called Corniche
The historical centerpiece is the 1939 Bentley Mark V Corniche — a one-off aerodynamic prototype destroyed during the early days of World War II. After a 25-year restoration project completed in time for Bentley’s 2019 centenary, the car is now fully operational. Monterey marks the first time it leaves Britain and France, joining both the Tour d’Elegance and the Pebble Beach main event.
Bentley’s approach in Monterey remains unmistakably on brand: romanticizing the past, refining the present and sketching the future through craftsmanship and exclusivity. True luxury, after all, isn’t about speed — it’s about making everything look like it took time.
