Climbing the social ladder as a one-percenter has become far more complex than simply acquiring the newest Lamborghini, which is now commonplace. To truly stand out at high-profile events like political fundraisers, the elite must invest significantly—often in the six, seven, or even eight-figure range. Bentley has catered to this demand by offering an exclusive vehicle, the 2021 Mulliner Bacalar, to a select group of its top clients.
The Bacalar, a limited-edition barchetta—a convertible two-seater inspired by Bentley’s EXP 100 GT concept—showcases the brand’s expertise in custom design through its Mulliner division. Established in the 1500s and a part of Bentley since 1959, Mulliner is recognized as the oldest coachbuilding company in the world. The Bacalar is derived from the Continental GT Convertible and takes its name from a renowned lagoon in Mexico’s Caribbean.
Each body panel of the Bacalar is uniquely designed, made from aluminum and carbon fiber, with the only shared component being the door handle. This leads to what many regard as the most visually stunning Bentley ever created. The car boasts a stance that is 20 millimeters broader than the Continental GT, and its paint incorporates sustainable silicon dioxide sourced from rice husks. Inside, the interior features eco-friendly materials, including a dashboard made from preserved wood that is 5,000 years old and quilted leather seats, each featuring exactly 148,199 stitches—nothing more, nothing less.
The Bacalar is built for performance, resting on Bentley’s active air suspension and powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine that delivers 650 horsepower and 667 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted through an eight-speed transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that gives an edge to the rear axle, allowing the vehicle to handle like the boats that inspired its name. However, owners must be careful to protect the exquisite design, including the custom Schedoni luggage specifically made for the Bacalar.
Only 12 units of the Mulliner Bacalar will be produced, with each one already accounted for among Bentley’s most valued clients. For those who feel left out, particularly if they rank as Bentley’s 13th or 14th favorite, there’s no need to despair. The Bacalar serves as a showcase to spark interest in Mulliner’s custom coachbuilding services. For those willing to invest significantly, Mulliner can create a similarly extraordinary vehicle tailored to individual preferences..
