Frankfurt debut for Series 51 Bentley Conti

Bentley's all-new Mulsanne enjoys star billing on its stand at the Frankfurt motor show, but also debuting at the German auto expo are the low-volume Series 51 Continental GT and GTC models.

No doubt conceived to keep buyer interest alive in the now six-year-old coupe and three-year-old convertible, the Series 51 Continental models are said to "represent Bentley exterior and interior styling at its most vibrant".

The limited-edition duo will also enable customers to order 'off the peg' from an exclusive trim/colour range created by the winged brand's Crewe-based designers.

Series 51 is named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by John Blatchley, who shaped the iconic original 1950s Bentley Continentals.

Helping distinguish them from garden-variety Contis, every Series 51 car will feature a bespoke interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues.

Bentley's Colour and Trim team have designed some three-tone interiors that are claimed to demonstrate the full potential of leather-hide colours and showcase the art of contrast stitching and piping.

The first example (on show at Frankfurt) is a Continental GTC with Imperial Blue as a main and secondary hide, Linen seat and door inserts and Newmarket Tan as the accent colour.

Series 51 cars will also feature unique elements such as non-indented hide for diamond quilting, contrast piping for the seats and doors as well as bespoke Series 51 treadplates.

The dashboard and centre console are also trimmed in "premium quality materials" to complement the three-tone interiors.

The Dark and Bright 'Engine Spin' aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for Series 51.

External cues that distinguish Series 51 cars include a 20-inch 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap and a signature '51' badge on the front wings.

Those seeking to further crank up the bling factor can specify a new two-tone paint that complements the contrasting interior configuration. Bentley says the distinctive colour split (with one colour running over the bonnet, roof and flowing down to the boot) is a classic design element used on many sporting Bentleys of the past.

The new Series 51 models are now available to order in international markets.

Check out the Carsales Network’s Frankfurt show preview and brand-by-brand summaries. And stay tuned for more Frankfurt show news and first drives in the days to come.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi