Bentley Motors marked the culmination of its 20th birthday celebration for the iconic Continental GT by revealing and promptly selling a unique Continental GT Speed. This vehicle took inspiration from the specifications of the very first production Continental GT back in 2003. At The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, which was also celebrating its 20th anniversary as part of Monterey Car Week, Bentley showcased the project’s muse – VIN20001, the initial GT off the Crewe production line – alongside the 2023 model.
The Continental GT, first introduced in 2003, played a pivotal role in reshaping Bentley for the 21st century and triggered a remarkable ten-fold increase in sales. The original production car, now a prized member of Bentley’s Heritage Collection, sported Cypress Green paint, Saddle leather upholstery, and Burr Walnut veneer interiors. The bespoke 2023 Continental GT Speed pays homage to this heritage with a specially crafted interior.
While both cabins incorporate Saddle leather and Burr Walnut veneer, the third-generation model adds subtle refinements to the original theme. The opulent Saddle color is accentuated by an ‘Special Green’ accent hide and matching contrast stitching throughout. The fascia and waist rails showcase two distinct veneer finishes – open pore Dark Burr Walnut over high gloss Dark Burr Walnut – separated by a Cypress painted pinstripe that seamlessly connects the interior with the exterior.
A comprehensive list of features includes Blackline, Touring, and Styling Specifications, which introduce polished black exterior brightware, a suite of technical enhancements, and a carbon fiber front splitter, side skirts, diffuser, and a discreet boot lip spoiler. Self-leveling Mulliner wheel badges adorn the 22” Sports Wheels in a unique Dark Grey Satin finish. Inside, the vehicle boasts Naim for Bentley audio and the Bentley Rotating Display, while personalized treadplates proudly display ’20 years of the Continental GT by Bentley Mulliner.’ Outline representations of the 2003 and 2023 Continental GTs grace the fascia, center console, and outer sill. This one-of-a-kind celebratory car has already found a new owner at The Quail and represents the pinnacle of a four-month-long series of events celebrating this milestone in Bentley’s history.
The impact of the first-generation Continental GT was monumental, not only redefining Bentley as a contemporary luxury brand but also creating an entirely new market segment. The Continental GT, the first all-new Bentley with no carried-over components since the original 3 Litre of 2019, was designed at the Crewe studio under the guidance of then-Design Director Dirk van Braeckel and Head of Exterior Design Raul Pires. The sleek lines of Bentley’s new grand tourer drew inspiration from the 1952 R Type Continental, featuring a Bentley ‘powerline’ that started low at the front and followed the shoulder line of the bonnet and door before converging at a muscular rear haunch. Twin round headlamps and a Bentley mesh grille paid subtle homage to the company’s thunderous Le Mans-winning racers of the 1920s.
Under the bonnet, a brand-new 6.0-liter twin-turbo 48-valve W12 engine resided. This compact, smooth, and potent powerplant churned out 550 bhp and 650 Nm, distributing power to all four wheels via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-62 mph was accomplished in a mere 4.8 seconds, with a top speed just shy of 200 mph.
Throughout its seven-year production run, the first-generation Continental GT gave rise to a family of models, including the Continental GT Convertible, Continental Flying Spur, Continental GT Speed, and Supersports.
The second-generation Continental GT, unveiled in 6.0-liter W12 form at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, also saw the introduction of another brand-new Bentley engine. The efficient and charismatic 4.0-liter V8, which made its debut in 2012, endowed the Continental GT with an eager, agile, and responsive character, accompanied by a characterful V8 exhaust note. In 2017, the lineup welcomed the limited edition 710PS Supersports, inspired by the Team Bentley racing GT3.
In 2018, Bentley ushered in its third-generation Continental GT. Sporting an entirely fresh design, it featured sharper, more streamlined lines that took full advantage of a purpose-designed platform. Even its W12 engine was completely redesigned, paired with a new dual-clutch transmission. Noteworthy features of the new model included three-chamber air springs and 48V electric active anti-roll control, while the on-board technology took a significant leap forward thanks to an all-new electrical architecture. It was faster, more comfortable, more efficient, and more luxurious than its predecessors, all while retaining the unmistakable essence of a Continental GT.