2009 Bentley Continental Supersports

Unveiled in 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Continental GT was a different animal altogether. Very importantly, the car differed significantly from the previous Continental R & T models in terms of its concept: although much of the car is hand assembled, it is a mass-produced car made in significantly larger numbers. It is not a coachbuilt car. As a result, the price at launch was significantly less than the Continental R (approximately half) and this immediately exposed the car to an entirely different and much wider customer base as a more affordable car.

The Crewe-built car's numbers were impressive with twin-turbo VAG 6.0 litre W12 engines, developed in the VW Phaeton and stillborn W12 sports car, producing. 552bhp and 479lb ft torque. This prodigious output was fed through a six-speed automatic box from the new A8, and distributed by the Quattro four-wheel drive system. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 196mph were significant for a car of this stature.

Some six years later, also in Geneva, Bentley unveiled their new Continental Supersports boasting 621 bhp and was indecently quick with 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph, making it the fastest and the most powerful production Bentley ever. With a revised 'tiptronic' automatic gearbox employing a 'quick-shift' system, gear change times were reduced by 50%. In order to cope with the increased power, it was necessary to have carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide ceramic disc brakes - the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car.

This particular Bentley Continental Supersports is a 2009, UK-supplied, right-hand drive example is finished in Black, with a half leather/ half Alcantara interior, including the headlining and the doorcards. A pair of heated, two-piece, carbon fibre sports seats with red piping sit in the cabin embossed with the Bentley logo in the headrests. A Breitling analogue clock sits above the satellite navigation panel, which also acts as the rear parking camera control display. Where rear passengers would normally reside, a carbon fibre cross-brace spans the cabin, generating torsional rigidity, showing the real intent of the 'Supersports'. Sitting on 20" silver alloy wheels, the car is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, adjustable suspension and a host of other options, and is effectively a very luxurious 'Group A Touring Car' for the road.

The service book shows 7 stamps, all from Bentley Main Dealers, the last of which was carried out on 5th May '16 when the car had covered 36,035 miles. Supplied with its driver's manuals, service book, a UK V5c, an MOT until October '17 and now showing only 36,744 miles on the odometer, this fantastically quick car would put a smile on any enthusiastic driver's face. Even our vendor, who competes in historic motorsport, claims that this is one of the fastest cars he's ever driven!