2009 Bentley Continental Supersports

A seriously quick, UK-supplied Bentley Supersports.

Turbocharged 6-litres, 12-cylinder, 621bhp, 4WD, 6-speed auto, 0-60 in 3.9 secs

20" alloy wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, adjustable suspension. A 'Group A Touring Car' for the road

36,915 miles. 7 stamps. MOT until October 2018. Recent 'Health Check' at Bentley Berkshire

Unveiled in 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Continental GT was a different animal altogether. Most importantly, the car differed significantly from the previous Continental R and T models in terms of its concept: although much of the car is hand assembled, it's a mass-produced car made in appreciable numbers and is not a coachbuilt car in the traditional sense. As a result, the price at launch was significantly less than the Continental R (approximately half) and this immediately opened up the model to an entirely different and much wider customer base as a more affordable proposition. The Crewe-built car's numbers were impressive with the 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 621bhp Continental Supersports which 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 finished in Black, with a half leather/ half Alcantara interior, including the headlining and the door cards. A pair of heated, two-piece, carbon fibre sports seats piped in red and embossed with the Bentley logo in the headrests take pride of place in the cabin and the Breitling analogue clock sitting above the satellite navigation/parking camera display is a nod to tradition. 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 making it, 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 2018 and now showing only 36,915 miles on the odometer, this fantastically quick car would put a smile on any enthusiastic driver's face.

During the last 12 months, the steering wheel has been refurbished in factory-spec leather, the road wheels have been re-finished in gloss black, and Bentley Berkshire has attended to a couple of minor electrical issues and carried out a full health check. The car is now the proud possessor of a new bespoke Bentley cover and bag but is being sold without its Cherished Number.

We welcome any inspection of this amazing Bentley.