Bentley debuts Grand Convertible concept in Los Angeles (pictures)

Bentley used the Los Angeles Auto Show to debut its Grand Convertible concept, an open-top version of its Mulsanne luxury sedan.

The classic B hood ornament sits atop the grille.

The Grand Convertible uses what Bentley calls a "liquid metal bonnet," while the Sequin Blue exterior is a custom color taken from a customer request for paint based on a single sequin from a dress.

The Grand Convertible has only two doors, as opposed to the Mulsanne's four.

The Grand Convertible is about 150mm shorter than the Mulsanne.

Bentley retains its minimally ornamented round headlight casings on the Grand Convertible.

One challenge in building the Grand Convertible comes in adding reinforcements to retain the rigidity of the Mulsanne sedan.

The engine comes from the Mulsanne Speed edition, a 6.75-liter V-8 with twin turbochargers making 530 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque.

The Grand Convertible is more likely to be owner-driven, unlike the chauffeur-appropriate Mulsanne.

Bentley puts its full weight of coachwork craftsmanship into the cabin of the Grand Convertible, along with its suite of modern electronics.

This finely worked piece of wood covers the tonneau, which hides the convertible top.

Bentley chose a soft top for the Grand Convertible as a nod to the company's heritage.