The Return of Brexton
Brexton was founded in 1920, producing custom-made trunks and suitcases, each built by hand to meet the exacting standards of their primary customers – Bentley and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
1920s Rolls Royce advertisement featuring essential accessories
The large automotive trunks, with drop-fronts that opened to reveal a precisely fitted set of luggage, were a regular feature of coachbuilt touring cars of the period and were often covered in ‘Rexine’ leathercloth to match the vehicle’s roof covering.
1928 Bentley 6 1/2 Litre with Gurney Nutting coachwork and Brexton trunk
As the design of the motorcar evolved, the architecture of automotive luggage naturally rode in tandem and was now created to fit inside the car rather than be attached to its exterior.
Options for the 1954 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing included fitted luggage
By the 1960s, the vehicle valise had become a real art form, with curvaceous creations designed to maximise the limited luggage capacity of sleek sportscars and glamorous grand tourers, finished with cloth and hides to match or contrast with the car’s interior.
Green with envy - the interior of a 1963 Ferrari 250GT Lusso
Sadly, the demand for fitted automotive luggage eventually began to decline, and despite a period making upscale picnic hampers for retailers such as Asprey, the lid finally came down on the Brexton business.
The appetite for automotive luggage eventually began to wane
The 21st century has witnessed endless enthusiasm for the restoration and preservation of classic cars, and a renewed interest in the accessories that complete them. The desire for fitted luggage has returned, and on September 3rd, 2021, the Brexton brand was officially relaunched at the Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance, proudly displaying its first automotive commission in 50 years.
Brexton returns with a new commission for bespoke luggage
The five-piece set was custom-made for the 1964 Porsche 356C owned by British model and classic car aficionado David Gandy. Read more about the project here.