Bentley enthusiast Mark King adds a bespoke Verdant green Bentayga Apex Edition to his collection, completing a rare Le Mans-inspired pair with his Continental GT.
Mark King recently took delivery of a meticulously crafted Bentayga Apex Edition, completing what can only be described as one of the most exclusive Bentley collections in private ownership.
The handover, which took place in late March 2025, represents far more than the acquisition of another luxury SUV.
This bespoke Bentayga, finished in striking Verdant green with contrasting Moonbeam racing stripes, completes King’s unique Le Mans-inspired collection and celebrates one of motorsport’s most storied relationships.
A Legacy in Verdant Green
King’s latest acquisition is one of just 20 Apex Edition Bentaygas crafted worldwide by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke division. What makes this particular vehicle extraordinary is not simply its limited production status but rather its significance within the context of King’s collection.
The Bentayga joins his 2023 Le Mans Collection Continental GT, created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s historic sixth victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both vehicles share the distinctive Verdant green exterior with Moonbeam racing stripes, a livery that pays homage to Bentley’s racing heritage.
“While the Apex Edition Bentayga was also offered in six curated colour and trim themes, the Verdant green and Moonbeam livery of Mr King’s Apex Edition Bentayga was only offered to existing Le Mans Collection owners,” noted a Bentley spokesperson.
This exclusivity underscores the thoughtful approach to Bentley’s collector community, where the rarest configurations are reserved for the brand’s most dedicated enthusiasts.
The Thoroughbred Stable
King’s automotive passion follows a family tradition of collecting high-performance vehicles. His new Apex Edition Bentayga joins an impressive stable that includes a Bentayga Speed, a rare Continental GT3-R, and a Continental Flying Spur, all of which he drives regularly.
What distinguishes King as a collector is his approach to ownership. Despite the considerable value and rarity of his vehicles, they are not museum pieces. His existing Bentayga Speed has accumulated over 100,000 miles under his stewardship and frequently serves as a practical hauler for other vehicles in his extensive collection.
A Bentley owner since 2010 and regular attendee at the marque’s exclusive events, King commissioned a Le Mans Collection Continental GT in 2023 without hesitation. When the opportunity arose to complement it with the matching Apex Edition Bentayga, the decision was equally swift.
Performance Befitting the Badge
The Apex Edition Bentayga represents the pinnacle of Bentley’s performance SUV lineup. Based on the Bentayga S model, this formidable vehicle harnesses a 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque.
The performance credentials are impressive: 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds) and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). Bentley’s Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering systems ensure that this substantial SUV delivers handling dynamics that belie its size and practical nature.
The Apex Edition elevates performance further with ultra-strong 22-inch Mulliner carbon wheels that reduce unsprung mass by 44 kg, enhancing steering response and agility. Carbon-ceramic brakes provide immense stopping power with fade-free performance, even under the most demanding conditions.
“As the most performance-focused and dynamic Bentayga ever, Mr King’s Apex Edition amply merits its Le Mans-inspired livery,” states the press information.
The Craftsmanship Within
The interior of King’s Bentayga matches the extraordinary exterior presentation. Beluga hide and Dinamica fabric seat faces are complemented by contrast seat stitching in Hotspur red, creating a cabin environment that balances sporting character with luxurious comfort.
This interior specification mirrors that of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT, creating a cohesive aesthetic across both vehicles. The design pays subtle homage to racing cockpits while maintaining the handcrafted luxury expected of Bentley’s flagship vehicles.
The Le Mans Connection
The Le Mans Collection Continental GT that preceded King’s Bentayga was created in 2023 to celebrate two decades since Bentley’s return to victory at the legendary French endurance race. After a 73-year absence from the top step of the podium, Bentley’s 2003 triumph with the Speed 8 marked a momentous return to racing glory.
The Continental GT’s Verdant green and Blackline specification echoes the black and green livery of the winning #7 Speed 8 race car. Its Beluga black matrix grille features a painted #7 in Arctica white, while 22-inch ten-spoke wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, and red brake calipers complete the racing-inspired aesthetic.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of all Le Mans Collection vehicles is the six-wreath emblem inlaid into a high-gloss carbon fibre fascia. This detail commemorates each of Bentley’s six outright victories at Le Mans between 1924 and 2003, creating a tangible connection to the marque’s racing heritage.
The interior centerpiece is undoubtedly the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, which revolves to reveal a central vitrine containing a section of engine valve from the victorious 2003 Speed 8 race car,a literal piece of motorsport history incorporated into each vehicle.
Beyond Collection: The Bentley Vision
While King’s remarkable collection represents a personal passion, it also embodies the broader Bentley philosophy that stretches back over a century. From W.O. Bentley’s founding vision in 1919 to the current team of over 4,000 dedicated employees, the company has maintained its pursuit of both luxury and performance without compromise.
Based in Crewe, England, and under Volkswagen Group ownership since 1998, Bentley continues to define British luxury automotive excellence. The company’s skilled artisans currently craft five distinct model lines: Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga, and Bentayga EWB.
Looking forward, Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy aims to revolutionize the company with a commitment to becoming exclusively electric by 2035, demonstrating that even the highest echelons of luxury mobility can embrace sustainable methods.
The Collector’s Philosophy
For enthusiasts like Mark King, these vehicles represent more than transportation or status symbols,they embody automotive history, engineering excellence, and artistic craftsmanship. His approach to collecting, which balances preservation with regular use, reflects a deep appreciation for these machines as living expressions of Bentley’s heritage.
The pairing of his Le Mans Collection Continental GT with the matching Apex Edition Bentayga creates a cohesive visual narrative that celebrates Bentley’s racing legacy while embracing the brand’s contemporary capabilities. It is precisely this type of thoughtful collecting that helps preserve automotive history while allowing these remarkable vehicles to fulfill their intended purpose.
As King’s Bentayga takes its place alongside his Continental GT, both resplendent in their Verdant green livery, they stand as testament to Bentley’s unique ability to blend sporting heritage with contemporary luxury,a combination as rare and distinguished as the collection they now complete.
