We all know that the baby Bentley, the Continental GT, is no slouch. Luxurious and with a sleeper-like performance the Continental GT has continually proved itself competent at juggling many tasks. In 2014, the Continental GT underwent a second generation mid-cycle refresh. As of now, we will have an example of the Continental GT’s wicked fast Speed variant in an upcoming sale. Oh, and it is in the desirable droptop configuration.
For the uninitiated, the Continental GT Speed is like Venom to Spiderman – faster, sleeker, and more aggressive. Our example, fittingly enough, is finished in the beautifully deep Beluga Black paint with a matching multi-layered cloth top. Standard equipment on the GT Speed is front and rear fascia that have pronounced, angular styling to match the dramatically sloped side skirts. Bi-xenon headlights with additional LED supporting units match the taillights that are darkly tinted further enhancing the GT Speed’s threatening look. Meanwhile, the blacked out bits are contrasted by chrome trim and 21” ten-spoke alloy wheels painted in a dark satin color.
Inside the cockpit, supple Beluga Black leather covers the dashboard, door panels, and the entire center console down to the armrests. The door panels had their leather diamond-quilted and are highlighted with circular white paneling surroundings. This textile design compliments the front and rear seats which are also diamond-quilted Beluga Black leather with white stitching. “Speed” is stitched with white thread into each headrest and the Cobra-designed front sports seats are fully electric, heated, cooled, offer massaging functions, three memorizable settings, and have been optioned with a neck warmer. Piano Black dashboard panels encase the multi-zone automatic climate control, 8” LCD infotainment touchscreen, and chassis/transmission controls.
Aside from some of the standard equipment, this GT Speed has been fitted with a WiFi hotspot, adaptive cruise control, sound-deadening side glass, and the Mulliner Driving package. Included in that package are a knurled aluminum shift knob and drilled aluminum sports pedals. A sporty tri-spoke leather steering wheel with stereo and telephone options eagerly rests out front of the modified GT Speed instruments. Offering a 210-mph speedometer, an 8k tachometer (6200 redline), a fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature gauge a small LCD screen augments the entire cluster with variable display interfaces.
What honestly gives credence to the Continental GT’s “Speed” moniker, though, is the motor. Displacing a massive 6.0-liters is a W12 engine with two turbochargers attached. In total, the GT Speed gives drivers command of 626 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque all securely managed through an active all-wheel-drive system. As for changing the ratios, an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF distributes power and comes with a sports option to amplify shift speed and exhaust noise. Maintenance records on this GT Speed have been kept since new and verify that the owner regularly adhered to the service schedule.
Complete with the service records is a copy of the original window sticker that shows a retail price of $277,446 with options and taxes. Also included are a set of protective floor mats in Beluga Black bordered in white leather. A factory battery tender still inside its Bentley branded bag is also supplied with purchase. The Carfax report shows just one owner and zero accidents or damages during their three-year-plus ownership. This, coupled with a clean California title makes for a fantastic deal on a beautifully luxurious and intoxicatingly fast grand tourer.
