Bentley T Speciale

The Bentley T Speciale, popularly known as the ‘Coupé Speciale,’ is a striking example of bespoke automotive design, crafted by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina. The design was the brainchild of Paolo Martin, a talented stylist who began his career with Michelotti in 1960 and later joined Bertone in 1967. In 1968, he became the chief of Pininfarina’s styling department, where he was responsible for a range of iconic designs, including the Ferrari Dino Competizione, the 512S Modulo, the Alfa Romeo P33, and the Lancia Beta Monte Carlo. Commissioned by the wealthy British entrepreneur and motor car enthusiast James E. Hanson, who later became Lord Hanson, the Coupé Speciale was conceived when he approached Sergio Pininfarina in 1965 with a vision for a unique Bentley. Rather than being a new iteration of the Bentley Continental, the Coupé Speciale would ultimately inspire the design of the Rolls-Royce Camargue, a lineage that is evident in its elegant silhouette and luxurious details. The Coupé Speciale was showcased at Pininfarina’s stands during the 1968 Turin, Paris, and London Motor Shows, garnering significant attention for its sophisticated design and craftsmanship. The car featured a distinctive, streamlined body that elegantly blended the classic Bentley presence with Pininfarina’s modern design language. Its sleek lines and opulent detailing set a new standard for luxury coupes of the era. Lord Hanson took delivery of the Bentley T Pininfarina through H.R. Owen in May 1969. Despite negotiating a favorable deal with Pininfarina, he paid £14,000 for the Coupé Speciale—approximately double the price of a standard two-door T-Series model by Mulliner Park Ward. This investment reflected the unique nature of the vehicle and the bespoke quality that Pininfarina infused into its design. The Bentley T Speciale by Pininfarina remains a testament to the artistry and innovation of automotive design in the late 1960s, blending British luxury with Italian flair. Its influence is still recognized in the world of high-end automobiles, symbolizing an era where craftsmanship and individuality were paramount in luxury vehicle production.