Cars

It might only be billed as a concept for now, but it’s likely that a good reception from the small pool of customers shown the prototype would ensure a production run. This would put the two-door, four-seat convertible in direct competition with the Phantom Drophead, also ensuring the continuation of a bloodline which includes the Corniche and, before that, the Park Ward S1 Drophead Coupé. The latter has apparently been used to influence the design process, as have ‘luxurious, high-performance power boats’, according to Bentley.

With its powerful 6.8-litre engine, the Model S Mercedes-Benz represented the very finest high-tech German engineering of the Twenties. This car was shown at the New York Auto Show in 1928. Bought new by Frederick Henry Bedford, it was placed into storage after his death and lay undisturbed for over 30 years. It was subsequently restored by the family. It is just one of seven such cars built by the stylish French coachbuilder, all different in small detailing.
 

Photos: Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The black car looked ‘striking’, shall we say, with 1950s ‘Bat Car’ styling influences much in evidence.

The previous collaboration had already proved the success of the synergy between the Bavarian giant and the esteemed Italian coachbuilder – in fact, the result was finished so well that both companies received many enquiries regarding the estimated production date, despite it still being in its conceptual stage.