Icebergs are rarely seen on the palm tree-lined streets of Pasadena, California, but Titanic star Billy Zane remains vigilant at the helm of another legendary machine: his 1990 Bentley Turbo R.

From Hollywood to Pasadena

The star of Titanic
When James Cameron’s Titanic dramatically sunk on screen in 1997, the film propelled its cast to international stardom. Alongside Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, actor Billy Zane became a household name thanks to his callous portrayal of jilted fiancé Cal – a skulking and anger-filled trickster who would stop at nothing (not even attempted murder and stealing a child) to have his own way.

The man we meet, however, couldn’t be further from his most famous role. He is warm, quick to smile and charming – but still impeccably dressed and with a unique sense of style, albeit a little less formal than his tuxedo-wearing on-screen character.

“Welcome to South Pasadena,” Zane says affably in a deeply cinematic voice. “My little slice of paradise. Within easy reach of Hollywood and the studios for meetings, events and all that madness, but far enough away to have a much more laid-back vibe. It’s somewhere where I can relax, be myself and be a real part of this amazing California community.”

Unwavering attention to detail

A love of materials
Hopping into the Bentley, Billy turns the key and the powerful V8 stirs into life. Soon we are cruising towards one of his other favourite neighbourhood haunts, Ghiaia Cashmere, a unique clothes store and fashion brand owned by Davide Baroncini.

As we arrive, the grinning Italian greets us with a hug and starts telling a wild story, while expertly operating the controls of a gleaming espresso machine. Plumes of steam and strongly accented English engulf the room, which is part fashion showroom, part café and part museum. It’s like a Mediterranean Pinterest lookbook that has been brought to life, with incredible tailoring fighting for space among 1980s racing memorabilia, sailing apparel and bottles of vermouth – there is even a verdant herb garden on the back terrace.

“Davide and I both agree that high-quality raw materials are the benchmark for quality,” says Billy, lighting up a Montecristo cigarillo to accompany his coffee. “But they need to be carefully transformed and curated to be fully appreciated. For me, Ghiaia is the epitome of this idea, a hybrid space where you can feel the clothing come to life – you can touch things, try them on but also appreciate the life they were made for.”

Driven by emotion

Angeles Crest Highway
Another thing Billy loves about living in Pasadena is the easy access to nature, especially the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest that tower over the city in the distance. After a spot of lunch, we head off along the Angeles Crest Highway, a 66-mile route famous for its multiple hairpins and unrivalled views. In a place like this, you can fully open up the 6.75-litre V8 engine of the Bentley Turbo R and enjoy its impressive performance. No wonder this route is a favourite among car fanatics.

“Somewhere along the way, this machine found me,” says Billy, attacking the curves of the famous highway with relish. “It’s from a time when Bentley didn’t publish horsepower but simply said ‘power is sufficient’ or ‘whatever necessary plus 30 per cent’. I love the hubris of such statements, but when you’re at the wheel you can’t deny it. In this car you don’t feel speed, you feel inevitability. You don’t simply accelerate, you apply intent.”