From pens to suitcases, the latest way to accessorise is with goods branded with the names of legendary car marques, declares Samuel Marsh
Bentley Leather gloves US$385
Founded by Walter Owen Bentley in 1919, Bentley Motors became synonymous with glamour and style in the decade that followed, a reputation cemented in 1930 when one of the marque’s cars raced the Train Bleu from Cannes to London –and won. But the company had to be sold to Rolls-Royce in 1931 and, more recently, to Volkswagen, in 1998. Having restored its reputation for luxury, Bentley has branched into accessories, with an exclusive leather luggage range, in collaboration with Dunhill, promised soon. www.bentleycollection.com
Ferrari Vertu 1947 mobile phone US$25,000
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Italian car marque, this handmade phone has a polished titanium body with red and black leather, and is only available in an edition of 1,947. The bezel nose on the front features the famed Ferrari prancing horse, while the back has a scaled-down brake pedal. Another edition, of just 60, features the gear-box pattern on its back and the same screws as Ferrari’s 612 Scaglietti.
Porsche PTS trolley US$350
Founded in 1931 by Austro-Hungarian engineer Ferdinand Porsche, the German marque has become known for its sleek sports cars. Some of the company’s brand accessories verge on the tacky – do you really need a matching baseball cap for your car? – but this ultralight suitcase stands out and can be ordered in colours to match your drive. http://shop1.porsche.com/uk
Bugatti Type 370 watch US$200,000
Watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier was inspired by the world’s most expensive car – the Bugatti Veyron – to create one of the world’s most expensive watches. The Type 370’s clock face is mounted on the side, so it can be read without moving your wrist from the steering wheel when driving – which meant having to completely rethink the way a watch functions. Available in a limited edition of 150, over three years.
www.parmigiani.com
BMW Cruise Bike US$925
The German manufacturer started out, in 1913, producing aircraft engines, working its way, in 10 years, through motor-bikes and into the car market. Now, the BMW experience (it stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, by the way) extends to bicycles with hydroformed frames, plus that all-important integrated logo. There’s even a version for kids, to get them on the right track early. www.bmw.com
Bentley Brooklands pen US$4,000
Celebrating 100 years since the opening of Britain’s legendary Brooklands racing track, Italian manufacturer Tibaldi has produced this range of pens, hand-etched with a racing motif. The edition is available in 50 fountain pens and 50 rollerballs with solid 18K white gold barrels, and 550 fountain pens and 550 rollerballs with sterling silver barrels. www.tibaldi.it
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