The Enduring Charm Of Coachbuilt Cars In Contemporary Times

In the annals of luxury and design, few objects capture the imagination quite like the early motor car. It was not merely a vehicle to carry its owner from one destination to another, but a moving canvas upon which taste, power and prestige were proudly displayed. To arrive in such an automobile was to make a statement, one that blended social standing with aesthetic discernment and suggested a life lived at the confluence of innovation and elegance. These cars stood apart from the uniformity of mass production, for they were created with the same devotion to detail as a fine piece of furniture or an exquisite work of jewellery, each a singular testament to the individuality of its commissioner.

What then is coachbuilt? It is the tradition whereby the manufacturer provided the mechanical heart and skeleton of the car, while the task of clothing it in shape, proportion and interior comfort was entrusted to specialist artisans whose craft descended from the makers of grand horse drawn carriages. In their hands, wood and metal became sculptural forms and leather was elevated into art, resulting in a motor car that was not simply bought but conceived and created in dialogue with its owner. To possess such a car was to hold a unique object, at once functional and poetic, a machine that transcended transport to become an heirloom of elegance.

Bentley Batur Convertible

The Bentley Batur Convertible, the most powerful W12-engined model from the marque, has entered its final stages of testing. Designed by Mulliner, Bentley’s in house bespoke division and the oldest coachbuilder in the world, it is the third car in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family after the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupe. Only sixteen will be made, each offering complete personalisation with every exterior and interior surface open to the customer’s choice of colour and finish. The front grille is crafted as a piece of art, blending Gloss Dark Titanium with chevrons that shift from deep Beluga to vibrant Vermillion. The “endless bonnet” line and 22 inch wheels are finished in a striking combination of titanium, black and Vermillion accents.

Aston Martin DBR22

The Aston Martin DBR22 design concept, unveiled in California, is the latest masterpiece from Q by Aston Martin, the bespoke division celebrating ten years of crafting exclusive creations. Known for iconic commissions such as the Victor and limited specials like the Vulcan and Vantage V600, Q continues its tradition of rarity and artistry. The DBR22 combines the heritage of classic coachbuilding with modern materials and advanced technologies, resulting in purity of design, engineering precision and thrilling performance. With flowing proportions and powerful curves, it pays homage to Aston Martin’s lineage of open cockpit sportscars while presenting a bold contemporary interpretation. Its sculpted form, dramatic horseshoe vent and seamless lines embody elegance, rarity and a true celebration of craftsmanship.

Ferrari Omologata

The Ferrari Omologata is a one off masterpiece built over two years on the 812 Superfast platform, retaining only the windscreen and headlights. Designed with inspiration from racing heritage, science fiction and modern architecture, it blends sleek volumes, sharp graphics and aerodynamic function into a futuristic yet timeless form. The front features a tapering oval grille and muscular arches, while the rear showcases powerful haunches, three transversal cuts and a prominent spoiler that adds downforce and aggression. Finished in a bespoke Rosso Magma over darkened carbon fibre, the car exudes exclusivity. Inside, electric blue seats with racing harnesses contrast against a purposeful black cabin with retro racing finishes, echoing Ferrari’s heritage. Omologata stands as a pure expression of bespoke design.

Rolls Royce La Rose Noire

The Rolls Royce La Rose Noire is a coachbuilt masterpiece created as a tribute to the rare Black Baccara rose. Its exterior paint shimmers between deep crimson and black, echoing the duality of the flower. Inside, intricate marquetry made from hundreds of wood pieces creates a cascading effect of rose petals, complemented by black and crimson leather and bespoke lighting that transforms the mood of the cabin. To accompany the car, Rolls Royce collaborated with Audemars Piguet on a unique Royal Oak Concept timepiece that mirrors the same theme of passion and elegance. Together, the motor car and timepiece embody rarity, romance and craftsmanship, uniting automotive artistry with Swiss horology in one of the most exclusive luxury collaborations.

Bugatti La Voiture Noire

Bugatti continues its tradition of excellence with the creation of La Voiture Noire, a unique car inspired by the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic designed by Jean Bugatti. The new model features the marque’s iconic 16 cylinder engine, an eight litre masterpiece that produces 1500 PS and 1600 Newton metres of torque, making it both powerful and beautiful. Six tailpipes at the rear honour this engineering marvel while emphasising its strength. La Voiture Noire reflects the spirit of the original Atlantic, regarded as one of the most extraordinary grand tourers ever built and among the most valuable classics today. With only four Atlantics ever made, the homage celebrates history while showcasing Bugatti’s ability to blend heritage with innovation.