(For sale, if interested please contact us)
First produced by Bentley in 2003, the Continental GT has continually remained as the entry-level option within the Flying B logo’s line up as. Powerful, luxurious, with a multitude of options, and even prepared for racing with Bentley’s factory team, the Continental GT is an accomplished performer woven among many automotive realms. The second generation, brought before the public in 2011, supplemented these accomplishments with further refinement and performance progress. Taking the auction stand this week we have for sale an exciting example of the prestigious Contential GT convertible in Speed trim level.
The coachwork is covered in Beluga Black paintwork that remains in excellent condition aside from a small dent found upon the left rear quarter panel. The body styling of the Continental GT Speed differs from standard Continentals by altering the front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper with distinctly athletic modifications. Along with an anthracite-colored front mesh grille and darkly tinted bi-xenon headlights and taillights, the GT Speed styling works well to mute some of the exterior chrome brightwork for an increasingly sinister appearance. Aside from the tinting, the front lighting is all technologically cutting-edge. LED mid-beams provide enhancement over the standard xenon headlights along with LED daytime running lights work well to project further and brighter plus all units benefit from adaptive lighting sensors with tunnel detection. The current seller describes two damaged areas within the front bumper’s grille, and a protective cover plate for the optional radar-guided cruise control system is absent.
Additional features outside include the convertible top which is layered several times with thick black fabric which significantly diminishes outside road noise. The dealership replaced the switch controlling roof operations due to selective functionality but now operates as intended and can be seen in both open and closed positions. Additional equipment includes acoustically layered side and rear panel glass that also serves to reduce outside noise.
Riding on 21” ten-spoke alloy wheels currently fitted with sporty Pirelli PZero tires may seem rough, but the air suspension works wonders to cultivate a silky-smooth ride. Behind those massive wheels sit equally imposing brake discs that clamp hard and slow the GT Speed down at an astonishing rate. Rain sensing wiper blades, a power closing trunk, and power closing doors are just some of the other standard features the top-of-the-line Continental GT carries.
Inside the Bentley, one will find themselves fully immersed in some of the finest, hand-crafted materials available on our planet. The centerpieces, however, are the Cobra designed sports seats, which are elegant, supportive, and come with an equipment list nearly as long as the entire car. The leather is color matched to the Beluga Black exterior with a diamond-quilted design highlighted by contrasting white stitching. The headrest features the “Speed” moniker stitched in the same white thread as the seats. Integrated below is the ventilation port for the optional neck warmer on the front seats. Both driver and front passenger seats are fully electric (including thigh extension) with three memorizable functions, have multi-stage heating and cooling, and offer power massaging.
Elsewhere in the cabin – such as the entire dashboard, center console through the armrest, and the door panels – Beluga Black leather is swathed around liberally. The current owner informs us that part of the dashboard (windshield adjoining) was replaced due to sun-warped leather. The electric steering wheel, also leather wrapped and white stitched, is a sporty three-spoke design with paddle shifters but still provides plenty of controls for the infotainment system and hands-free telephone. Like the rest of the dashboard, the 8” infotainment touchscreen is surrounded by glossy Piano Black trim panels. This lustrous black finish is pleasantly offset by white accents that match the rounded panel designs found on each door panel. Multi-zone climate control, optional adaptive cruise control, and an optional WiFi hotspot are all equipped alongside a Mulliner driving package that provides drilled aluminum pedals and a knurled aluminum gear selector.
Elegantly written analog instrumentation includes a 210-mph speedometer, an 8,000 rpm tachometer (6,200 redline), a fuel gauge, and coolant temperature gauge. Nestled in between the gauges rests an LCD screen with multiple interfaces and a digital odometer that currently displays over 58,000 miles. Although not presently installed the purchase includes a set of deep-pile Beluga Black protective floor mats that are accented with white leather piping.
Laying below the surface of the hood is a real powerhouse – 6.0-liter W12 engine with dual turbochargers. Despite being a hefty car, the 626 horsepower with 602 lb-ft of torque that the W12 motor conjures up is capable of sailing passengers to sixty miles per hour in four seconds flat. Bentley states that flat out the GT Speed will easily pull itself to a top speed of 203-mph. An active all-wheel-drive system balances a 40:60 torque split between the front and rear wheels. Shifting is managed through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that offers a Sports mode which rapidly changes the shift points and provides a motorsport-style exhaust burble. During 2018, a new oxygen sensor was installed along with a fuel pressure regulator and both front control arms. In 2017, the front and rear brake pads were exchanged for new pairs.
Throughout its life, this Continental GT Speed has been regularly maintained and multiple service records dating back to the original year of purchase will be provided with the sale. A copy of the factory applied window sticker (showing a retail price exceeding $277,000) details all of the standard fixtures and some $14,000 in optional equipment. A dealership purchased battery tender along with its Bentley branded cloth bag is included. A clean Carfax report shows a single owner and no accidents or damages during their three and a half years of ownership. Also ensured is a clean title from the state of California.
