2004 Bentley Continental GT

As the Millennium dawned, the surviving luxury icons of the British car industry headed in very different directions. Rolls-Royce aimed for stratospheric ostentation and for the first time, lost the patronage of the British Royal Family, whilst their order books were filled by oligarchs and OPEC members. Whilst Aston Martin’s achingly beautiful cars were pitted against Ferrari, favouring sleekly modern interiors as they dropped the acres of highly polished woodwork. Under Volkswagen’s stewardship since 1998, Bentley still produced the Continental R and T coupés, the incomparable Azure and the class-leading Arnage saloon. Waiting in the wings however, was a car that was to set the industry standard for luxury grand touring with pace for years to come.

Unveiled in 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Continental GT’s purposeful stance was tempered by an elegant rear, with a side profile so refined it remains virtually unchanged today. Upholstered in the finest leather and for those enthusiasts who still stuck with the brand, the woodwork was exquisite. The chrome switchgear exuded quality, like the snick of a Cartier lighter and the whole car was underpinned by the electronics and engineering of the famously reliable Volkswagen/Audi family. Utilising modern production techniques, thereby considerably reducing the labour content and consequently the build cost, it exposed the car to an entirely different and much wider customer base.

A huge success, the Crewe-built car's statistics were impressive with twin-turbo VAG 6-litre W12 engines, developed in the VW Phaeton and stillborn W12 sports car, producing 552bhp and 479lb/ft of torque. This prodigious output was fed through a 6-speed automatic box from the new Audi A8 and distributed by the Quattro four-wheel drive system. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 196mph were remarkable numbers for a car of this stature and level of comfort. Most customers eschewed Bentley's traditional dark colours in favour of the company's new range of lighter hues, which really suited the Continental's elegant lines, as is clearly evident in this attractive example. Finished in in Neptune Blue over light tan leather and Burr Oak veneers, it was supplied new by Broughtons of Cheltenham on 28th July 2004 to the first of five former keepers.

As is common with Bentleys of this era, the service book shows early main dealer maintenance followed by specialist attention and the receipts on file from noted marque experts, Balmoral of Worcester, detail the most recent works. The engine and gearbox were serviced on 24th July 2024, a mere 104 miles ago and the odometer reading, at the time of cataloguing, states a mileage of 33,863. The car is presented to auction with the normal dealer book packs, maintenance receipts and an advisory-free MOT Certificate valid until 23rd April 2026.

Keenly estimated and the perfect choice for those who prefer luxurious reliability, serious performance, and the undoubted cachet of travelling behind the 'Winged B'.