Following the publication in 2024 of Vol. 1, the new book The Colours of Luxury, Vol. 2, is now available for sale. This covers Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars made at Crewe during 1980-2002. Volume 2 presents all the standard production paint colours and trim colours/options for every Rolls-Royce and Bentley model between 1980-2002. This is arranged per model year. And yet it is more than just a dry list for it also carefully explores and presents the stories behind the rich materials that went into these remarkable handmade cars. Volume 1 explained the paintwork techniques, Connolly leather upholstery, Wilton carpet and West of England cloth headlining for these cars. Volume 2 continues with the exquisite woodwork; luxurious lambswool rugs; and also materials applicable to only Bentley: such as engine turned aluminium and carbon fibre. Alternatives to leather such as velour in the early 1980s is also covered. And the rather mysterious Harris Velvet Opera cloth. 

Volume 2 is the result of six years intense work and eight years interest in this field with the input of many experts – above all no less than Rolls-Royce Motors’ former Chief Stylist Graham Hull. It also follows the rebirth of the Bentley marque from the early 1980s onwards, as well as the rise of bespoke customisation by Mulliner Park Ward in the 1990s, when much more colour and trim choice was now available. 

The new book will be of considerable interest to those restoring their car or cars, as well as aficionados and historians of both marques. Automotive history for so long now has been preoccupied with just engineering and styling concerns and therefore this book breaks completely new ground with very original research that has simply never been carried out before. The Colours of Luxury, volumes 1 & 2, looks in places where Automotive Historians do not normally venture.

Volume 2 features a wealth of unpublished pictures for the first time and has also gone to great lengths to present and profoundly understand a previously completely unstudied aspect of Rolls-Royce and Bentley marketing and that is their use of dealership colour and trim samples. 

256 pages

Dimensions 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 in.)

Price € 160.00

ISBN: 9788894456776

How to obtain your copy

A copy of this book may be obtained direct from the Publisher contacting the email address info@nubesargentea.com

Cost for p&p for delivery by DHL express courier (in 24/48h) are as follows:

Europe: €. 30.00

Great Britain and USA: €. 35.00

Rest of the world: ask for a quotation