Bentley has introduced the Nicolaus Copernicus Collection, a series of three one-off cars inspired by the work of the Polish astronomer. Developed at the initiative of Bentley’s Polish team with Bentley Motors and Mulliner, The Sun, The Earth and The Moon each use a different combination of colours, materials and bespoke details to interpret astronomical themes.
A collection rooted in Polish heritage
The three cars were developed through Bentley Mulliner’s programme of individual personalisation and hand craftsmanship. Each features embossed motifs based on illustrations from Copernicus’s original manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres). These details appear both within the interiors and in the brand’s campaign for the series, which extends beyond Poland to other European markets where Bentley operates.
The collection has particular significance for the Polish market. Poland is among the region’s fastest-growing luxury goods markets, and increasing interest in premium brands is encouraging more manufacturers to strengthen their presence there.
‘Bentley Motors grants the opportunity to develop a bespoke collection only to its best dealers in Europe. We were given that opportunity two years ago, when we were among the top three Bentley dealers on the continent. Together with the Mulliner team, we developed the Nicolaus Copernicus Collection, a project inspired by Nicolaus Copernicus’s achievements, with a handcrafted solar system and an illustration from his manuscript emphasising its unique character. The collection is based on the Continental GT S, which also links it to the model’s Polish launch and underlines the Polish market’s growing role in Bentley’s European strategy,’ says Piotr Jędrach, general manager of Bentley Warszawa and Bentley Katowice.
Continental GT S models form the basis
The models underpinning the collection combine sporting character, hand craftsmanship and the timeless elegance of Bentley’s contemporary grand tourer. The Sun is based on the Continental GT S Convertible, adding open-top driving to that formula. The Earth and The Moon use the Continental GT S, offering the same intensity of experience in a more compact, restrained form.
Each interprets light, matter and the order of the universe differently. The Sun centres on energy and radiance, The Earth on harmony and depth, and The Moon on quietness, cool tones and mineral elegance. Their individual colours, materials and details distinguish each car while keeping the series coherent. Only one example of each has been made.
All three have 22-inch black wheels, self-levelling wheel centres, carbon-ceramic brakes with black callipers, Touring Specification, a titanium sports exhaust and animated welcome lamps designed by Mulliner. Their shared interior equipment includes a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Seat Comfort specification, Wellness seats, Diamond Knurling, Mood Lighting, Bentley Rotating Display and the Naim for Bentley sound system.
Copernicus’s work in the interior details
The choice of Copernicus followed three requirements set by the Polish Bentley team at the beginning of the project. The theme had to remain relevant beyond a particular anniversary or event. It also needed to be widely recognisable and serve as a calling card for Bentley’s Polish operation. The astronomer’s international recognition gives the project a presence both in Poland and across Bentley’s other markets.
‘Alongside a strong connection to our local history and culture, we also wanted the project to be exceptional enough for Bentley Motors to take it under its patronage. Of the several concepts we considered, Nicolaus Copernicus and the solar system were the ones that met all three requirements. The combination of the astronomer and the planets proved to be recognisable around the world, timeless in its meaning and conceptually strong enough to gain the factory’s full support,’ adds Jędrach.
Fragments of the illustrations and references to the planets appear throughout the interiors and equipment. They feature in the animated welcome lamps, embroidery, door trim and cupholder lids, as well as in personalised key boxes, treadplates and graphics developed for these components. Each car has hand-embroidered depictions of the heliocentric system and planets on the side doors and in the rear of the cabin. An illustration from the manuscript can also be seen on the centre console.
Natural stone on the dashboard adds a material connection to the astronomical theme. The Sun uses Copper Stone, named by Bentley Mulliner for its copper colour, while The Moon and The Earth use Galaxy Stone. Treadplates carry the collection’s name and the inscription ‘One of three’. Bespoke animations activated when the doors open show the planetary system in motion. Each car also has a new paint colour developed specifically for the Polish collection and never previously used on another model.
The Sun, The Earth and The Moon
The Sun is the collection’s most expressive interpretation. Its satin Manuka Orange paint and black roof emphasise a dynamic, luminous character, while the interior combines vivid Orange leather with the cooler Gravity Grey shade. Contrast stitching, embroidered Bentley Wings emblems, Copper Stone Veneer and bespoke quilting are joined by personalised Mulliner details.
The Earth takes a more balanced approach. Nebula Blue paint recalls the depth of the Earth seen from space, while the interior combines Aegean Blue and Imperial Blue. Galaxy Stone Veneer is a defining feature, its mineral structure reinforcing the natural, timeless character of this version. Specially developed stitching, embroidery, quilting and personalised accessories complete the composition.
The Moon is the most restrained and ethereal of the three. Moonstruck paint and an interior combining pale Ice leather with deep Beluga evoke the cool, contemporary elegance of moonlight and the night sky. Galaxy Stone Veneer gives the cabin a more mineral, architectural character, while a personalised key box bears an additional engraving of Copernicus’s illustration. Mulliner’s individual details distinguish the model within a collection linked by a shared design language and references to astronomy.
A silk scarf and further elements of the campaign
Polish fashion illustrator Anna Halarewicz has also designed a signed silk scarf for the collection. Working with the Bentley team, she developed a pattern that combines motifs from Copernicus’s work with recognisable brand elements and silhouettes of the three cars.
Further elements planned for the campaign include a dedicated playlist reflecting the character of each model and a fragrance inspired by the Nicolaus Copernicus Collection. These will extend the collection’s themes beyond the cars themselves.
Material choices and bespoke details are also part of designing a home. Find architects, interior designers and interior photographers in the PLNDesign directory.
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