Much of the year has been challenging to say the least, but apparently not enough to dampen the holiday mood for most people. One carmaker has thought of giving back to the one person who has been the traditional symbol of generosity for the season – even if it is in good fun.
Bentley Mulliner is bringing holiday cheers on wheels with the Flying Spur Reindeer Eight
What you see here is the Bentley Flying Spur, the particular example being decked out in ‘Reindeer Eight’ trim. That’s courtesy of the British marque’s Mulliner coachworks division, and the exercise was meant to illustrate what if jolly ol’ Saint Nick – Santa Claus – were to commission a modern upgrade to his usual sleigh.
Outside, the special Flying Spur sports a decidedly festive look, dominated by the Cricket Bauble paint job’s deep red on top of a diamond pattern. Inspired by Cricket Ball, it’s a unique color created exclusively for Bentley’s scarlet-clad client, and is only one of 62 available shades under the brand’s Extended Range line.
The personalized license plate is a nice touch
As on other Flying Spurs, the wide grille continues to be flanked by signature round external lighting. There is however one small yet important distinction, as the winged ‘Flying B’ hood ornament has been replaced by a 3D printed reindeer rendered in gold. It’s likely a small concession (or consolation) Santa had to make for his four-legged posse, since his ride now relies on horsepower rather than reindeer pull.
Gold trim figures prominently around the shell, from the hood strip to the ‘Reindeer Eight’ badges adorning the front fenders. Even the wheels gleam with gold, a set of 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification alloys accompanied by a diamond finish and wrapped in all-season tires. The car also has touches of carbon fiber, from the front and rear diffusers to the door sills, even the trunk spoiler.
Minus the Yuletide trimmings, this is still very much a Flying Spur
The holiday theme continues inside the cabin, which is a sea of red leather including the dashboard and door panels. The twin-flute designed seats feature gold contrast stitching numbering at 11,100 (count ‘em). In case there’s any doubt as to who the intended occupants of the Reindeer Eight are, the names of Santa and his wife are embroidered onto the seats.
While hubby is preoccupied with the car’s three analog dials on the instrument panel just beyond the leather-clad steering wheel, Mrs. Claus sits facing a Grand Black veneer display, with an outline of the Arctic locale the couple calls home. Between them lies the Bentley Rotating Display that shows a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but not before greeting users with the sounds of sleigh bells jingling.
Probably a low-key guilt trip for retiring Rudolph and company this close to the big day. Of course, Santa would need his ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’ list, now integrated into the navigation system.
>>> Related: Santa’s sleigh gets upgraded for this year’s Christmas
Santa exchanges the usual open-air flight for modern conveniences
The Reindeer Eight still uses a standard 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, setting off Father Christmas on his gift-giving chores with 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque. Easier than pulling leather reins is engaging the 8-speed automatic gearbox, enough to launch the car from zero to 100 km/h in a little over four seconds with a top speed of 318 km/h.
As the Flying Spur Reindeer Eight is a one-off, Bentley hasn’t quoted any price figures yet. but it’s safe to say that the car, in all its Bentley Mulliner glory, is ho-ho-holy crap expensive.
We take you to see more awe-inspiring automotive examples at Philkotse.com.