Bentley Motors is thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT with a four-month programme featuring unique models, drives, and events.
The festivities commence at the Shanghai Auto Show, where the one-of-one Continental GT S will debut, showcasing bespoke Mulliner features that commemorate the car that has defined the modern era of Bentley Motors.
Exterior and Interior Design of the GT S
The Continental GT S for Shanghai features an eye-catching Magnetic dark grey metallic exterior, accentuated by black chrome and black 22” 10-spoke sports wheels with a pop of red provided by the brake callipers.
The interior’s duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black enhances the black-and-red theme, while a bespoke interior features unique Mulliner detailing, dual-finish fascias and waist rails, and a centre console.
The upper fascia veneer is in Granite Stone, providing a distinctive tactile finish, while the lower veneer is in Grand Black, with a laser-etched overlay celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT.
A red pinstripe separates the two finishes, stretching across the fascia from door to door and passing across the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents. The treadplates proudly display two silhouettes: one of the 1st generation Continental GT and the second of the 3rd generation, representing the 20 years of the modern GT.
Celebrating 20 Years of the Quintessential Grand Tourer
Launched in 2003, the Continental GT was the first all-new Bentley of the modern era, featuring all-wheel drive and the innovative W12 engine. It quickly became a global sensation, offering a unique combination of stunning design, supercar performance, and unrivalled craftsmanship.
It was hailed as the fastest genuine four-seat coupé globally, with a top speed in excess of 190 mph (300 km/h) and a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds). The Continental GT’s success helped to propel Bentley to its current status as the most sought-after luxury car brand globally.
Continental Drive Hubs
Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe and Geneva, Switzerland, will celebrate the Continental GT’s 20th anniversary with two drive hubs. First- and second-generation Continental GT models from the Bentley Heritage Collection will be available to drive alongside the latest Continental GT family, vividly bringing to life 20 years of constant design and engineering evolution.
Around the World in 20 Reviews
A Bentley ‘baton’ designed and created in-house will begin its global journey in May, travelling in various Continental GT models across Europe, the Middle East, China, Asia Pacific, and the US before returning to Crewe. At the end of the journey, the baton, now containing 20 mementoes of the tour, will become a time capsule as a permanent reminder of a unique journey.
A Double Anniversary
The Continental GT’s birthday also marks 20 years of Bentley’s mighty 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine that has powered Bentley to success over two decades. With the engine’s production scheduled to end in April 2024, only 12 months of W12 assembly remains before this iconic powertrain makes way for Bentley’s electric future.
This milestone will be celebrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (13-16 July), where Bentley will be celebrating the W12 with a moving showcase of W12-powered cars from the last 20 years, up to and including the new Bentley Batur by Mulliner.
Homage to the Original at Monterey Car Week
The celebrations will conclude at this year’s Monterey Car Week (August 11-18), where Bentley will reveal a final one-of-one Continental GT inspired by VIN 20001, the first Continental GT to leave the production line at Crewe in 2003.
This special model pays homage to the original with a finish in Cypress Green, an interior in Saddle hide, and Burr Walnut trim. VIN 20001 has remained in the company’s possession as a significant milestone in the Heritage Collection’s garage since its production.
Conclusion
As Bentley Motors celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT, it’s a testament to the car’s longevity and the brand’s commitment to excellence. The Continental GT has continued to evolve with constant design and engineering enhancements, leading to the creation of the most sought-after luxury car brand globally.
The four-month program, featuring unique models, drives, and events, honours the car that has defined the modern era of Bentley Motors and solidifies its place as the quintessential grand tourer.