The game of golf may well be inextricably linked with luxury car ownership - to the point where the average trunk size is often given in terms of golf bags. Yet, the fact of the matter is the typical luxury car owner is just as likely to enjoy casting a rod as they are swinging a club.
To meet this hitherto unaddressed demand, Bentley has put its bespoke coachbuilding division to work in order to create the ultimate wood and leather installation for safely housing everything needed for a day's fly-fishing.
Mulliner has turned the underside of the Bentayga's parcel shelf into a rod carrier made up of four saddle leather trimmed tubes with linen cross stitching. A carpet-trimmed hard pocket has been integrated into the side of the trunk and inside it are two landing nets in their own leather bags. However, it's the centre installation where the craftsmanship and attention to detail really come to the fore.
The three-unit leather trimmed case consists of a master tackle station, a refreshment case and a waterproof trunk for waders and outerwear. Open up the tackle station and you're presented with Burr Walnut veneered draws for fly-fishing tools, and leather bound fishing reel cases milled from solid aluminium. The refreshment draw has bespoke metal flasks, a set of fine-china tablewear and an extra sub-compartment for food.
And because the whole thing is solid it can be removed from the trunk completely and used as seating.
"Fly fishing is a sport that requires a variety of equipment and clothing, so it was essential to package the rods, reels, waders, boots and fly-tying station into the car in a luxurious, accessible and elegant way," said Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner.
However, the most ingenious touches are a barely noticeable waterproof lining with sill protectors in the luggage compartment and a dehumidifier to ensure that the space is always dry and free from any potentially fishy smells.
"[This] car showcases the breadth and level of detail a customer can expect from Mulliner," said Dowding. "This is an individual bespoke solution and our skilled craftspeople can design elegant and exquisitely executed bespoke solutions to complement any customer lifestyle or hobby."
