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January 7, 2015
The Joys of Owning a Bentley, as Told by Two British Car Connoisseurs
Bentley
From Lifestyle to Worldview
Two British Enthusiasts Discuss the Joys of Owning a Bentley
Bentley is counted among the world's finest automobiles. With a history represented by the "Bentley Boys" who raced at Le Mans, its presence has always been the aspiration of gentlemen across eras. Motor journalist Tatsuyuki Kujima and Toshiyasu Takubo, representative of Vulkanize London, discuss what Bentley brings to men from a British cultural perspective, touching on status and lifestyle philosophy.
Photographs by MORI Kousuke
The Continental GT: A Car to Be Approached More Casually
Tatsuyuki Kujima (hereafter, Kujima)In Japan, the image of Bentley as an "expensive car" precedes it, but in areas like Savile Row or Mayfair in central London, you see them quite commonly.
Toshiyasu Takubo (hereafter, Takubo)They're often parked on the street, so I don't think of them as particularly special. I feel there's no need to be intimidated by such magnificent cars in Japan either. I believe we can enjoy them more casually, almost as if we're dressing in Bentley.
KujimaIndeed, the gravitas that comes with such a long history can make the driver feel a bit self-conscious.
TakuboPrecisely because of that, I think it's a car that highlights the owner's good taste and aesthetic judgment. I often see sophisticated women driving the "Continental GT" around Sloane Square, and it's incredibly stylish. They seem to possess an unshakeable confidence in their lifestyle, and their ability to embody it so assertively lends them an air of nobility. And because of that refined taste, one becomes curious about their personality.Continental GTI often see sophisticated women driving the "Continental GT" around Sloane Square, and it's incredibly stylish. They seem to possess an unshakeable confidence in their lifestyle, and their ability to embody it so assertively lends them an air of nobility. And because of that refined taste, one becomes curious about their personality.
Continental GT
Continental GT
A Brand Cultivated Slowly Through a Long History
TakuboBritish people often aspire to the background of a brand rather than its functionality. Therefore, they have a very discerning eye for not just convenience, but also for the path a product or brand has taken and the value it holds for future generations.
KujimaYour company's Globe-Trotter is similar, isn't it? It has two wheels, not four. Functionally, a four-wheeled suitcase might have an advantage, but it's beautiful, so it remains with two wheels.
TakuboExactly. British brands resonate with people who have such particularities (laughs). Bentley is the same; because it maintains its history and tradition, it is respected by the British people, and the aura the brand emits remains unchanged through the ages.
Bentley: A Car Best Enjoyed and Appreciated by Mature Individuals
KujimaIf I could afford a Bentley now, I would buy one. I used to think it was something I would never buy.
TakuboI feel exactly the same. Actually.
KujimaThe more I learned about it, the more I felt it was a brand I shouldn't touch. But now, I want to own one as a way to gain experience. I like the sporty performance of the Continental GT, but I also want to experience the refined, substantial feel of the "Flying Spur" now that I'm older.Flying SpurI like the sporty performance of the Continental GT, but I also want to experience the refined, substantial feel of the "Flying Spur" now that I'm older.
TakuboFor me, it's easier to accept conceptually because Vulkanize London proposes a luxurious worldview. However, I believe the true value of Bentley is something that can only be understood after reaching a certain age.
Flying Spur V8
KujimaOnce you acquire a Bentley, the view will surely change.
The Absolute Class Emanating from the Mulsanne
TakuboEven though I desire it, Bentley is also a brand I want to keep as an "aspiration" for a long time (laughs).
KujimaYes, it's a feeling of wanting to obtain it someday, while still holding it as an aspiration. However, among Bentleys, the "Mulsanne" is in a class of its own.
TakuboI agree. It's like a sanctuary that must not be trespassed upon, a car at the pinnacle of the upper class. No matter how much money I had, I couldn't bring myself to touch it.
KujimaIt's not about class in the British sense, but rather knowing one's place. I feel a certain dignity from the "Mulsanne."
Mulsanne
Mulsanne
TakuboIn Britain, it's often said that "experience, including age, is essential to discern the genuine article." Therefore, regardless of how good one's taste might be in their 20s, they can only practice a lifestyle befitting a 20-year-old. That's why I can't help but notice people in their 40s and 50s driving Bentleys in Japan. I sincerely hope to see more such "charming adults."
KujimaMoreover, if such adults increase, the younger generation will likely become interested in the world of cool adults through cars. Therefore, Bentley may be suitable for adults who are confident in themselves and wish to continue maturing.
Toshiyasu Takubo
Born in Tokyo in 1966. Representative Director of BLBG Co., Ltd. (British Luxury Brand Group). Operates "VULCANIZE London," an arcade shop featuring British Royal Warrant luxury brands such as Globe-Trotter, Smythson, Fox Umbrellas, and Hackett London.
Vulkanize London Aoyama Store
107-0062
5-8-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL.03-5464-5255
Bentley Japan
http://www.bentleymotors.jp/