$2.1 Million Jury Verdict in Al Bakry: When “Bentley Fit and Finish” Meant Something
A federal jury has awarded $2.1 million to our client, Ahmed Al Bakry of Refined Marques DMCC (www.refined-marques.com), on his breach of contract claim arising from the failed conversion of his brand new $305,000.00 Bentley Mulsanne sedan into a custom two-door power convertible. The agreement required “Bentley fit and finish” — a term that carries real meaning in the ultra-luxury automotive world. Mr. Al Bakry entrusted the defendants with a rare, high-value vehicle and paid more than $200,000 for the conversion. What he received was not a flagship, Bentley standard custom showpiece. It was a vehicle riddled with defects, compromised structural integrity and safety, cosmetic damage, and workmanship far below required standards.
The evidence at trial showed the defendants cut the roof off a Bentley Mulsanne and undertook a complex structural conversion without meeting the standards promised in the contract. The convertible top required in excess of 90 seconds to open and in excess of another 90 seconds to close — a delay that is not merely inconvenient, but commercially unacceptable in a luxury vehicle marketed as a flagship product. The interior featured, among other missteps, exposed Phillips screws driven directly into the Bentley’s hand-stitched leather and exposed bolts drilled into the doors.
Doors were misaligned. Panel gaps were severely uneven. Paintwork was substandard. Seatbelt geometry created a tripping hazard for rear passengers. Plaintiff’s expert, along with Mr. Al Bakry, testified the vehicle no longer met the quality and integrity associated with Bentley craftsmanship. In short, the vehicle was transformed from a work of art into something unsafe, undrivable, and unsellable.
This was not a dispute about taste. It was about performance. The contract did not call for “close enough.” It required Bentley-level fit and finish. The defense argued that because the vehicle was “custom” or “one-off,” deviations were expected. The federal jury soundly rejected that excuse with a unanimous verdict. Custom work does not eliminate contractual standards. If anything, it heightens the obligation to perform with precision and care.
The verdict reinforces a simple but powerful principle: a contract is enforceable, even when the project is complex, expensive, or bespoke. When a party accepts substantial payment and fails to deliver what was promised, the law provides accountability.
At Berstein Law, we try business and intellectual property cases. This result reflects years of disciplined preparation, expert analysis, and strategic trial presentation. Many cases settle when the other side realizes you are prepared to go the distance. Some require a jury. In Al Bakry, the jury spoke clearly.
If your business is facing a high-stakes contract dispute — especially one involving significant financial investment, reputational harm, or destroyed property — we are prepared to evaluate it.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its specific facts and applicable law.