Bentley unveils one-of-one Continental GT S at Auto Shanghai

MANILA: A one-of-one Bentley Continental GT S was unveiled at Auto Shanghai as part of a four-month celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT.

This special Bentley Continental GT S features several bespoke Mulliner features, including commemorative badging, inlays, and design motifs representing 20 years of the car that paved the way for the modern era of Bentley Motors.

The exterior of the special Bentley Continental GT S is painted a brilliantly ominous Magnetic dark grey metallic, accented by black chrome, black 22-inch 10-spoke sports wheels, and red brake calipers. The interior follows the black and red color scheme with a duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black.

A bespoke interior features an exclusive Mulliner color palette, dual-finish fascias and waistrails, and bespoke detailing on the center console and tread plates.

The upper fascia veneer is Granite Stone, creating a distinctive tactile finish, while the lower fascia veneer is Grand Black and has a laser-etched overlay commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT. A red pinstripe divides the two finishes, running across the fascia from door to door and crossing the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents.

The tread plates display two silhouettes, one from the first-generation Bentley Continental GT and the other from the third generation. The center console also features the same design, while the LED welcome lamp in the door has a special design honoring the legendary grand tourer's anniversary.

The Bentley Continental GT, which was introduced in 2003 as the first modern Bentley with all-wheel drive and the revolutionary W12 engine, contributed to Bentley's current position as the most coveted luxury car brand in the world.

When it debuted in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT delivered a combination of breathtaking style, supercar performance, and unparalleled craftsmanship. With a top speed of 300kph and a 0 to 100kph time of 4.8 seconds, it was heralded as the fastest authentic four-seat coupe in the world. The Bentley Continental GT quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and established a new market segment because it had no matching competitors at its price point.

The Bentley Continental GT, now in its third generation, continues to win awards and honors. The prestigious Robb Report Car of the Year award was won by the Bentley Continental GT Speed in 2022. The same award was received by the Bentley Continental GT V8 S in 2023. In February 2023, the Bentley Continental GT won the luxury class import category for the second consecutive year at the Auto Motor und Sport awards.

Two drive hubs will be established to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT — one in Crewe, England, and the other in Geneva, Switzerland. First- and second-generation Bentley Continental GT units from the Bentley Heritage Collection will be available to drive, bringing 20 years of continuous design and engineering evolution to life.

The in-house developed and built Bentley “baton” will go off on a world tour in May, traveling in a variety of Bentley Continental GT models around Europe, the Middle East, China, Asia, and the US before making its way back to Crewe. The baton, which now has 20 tour mementoes, will serve as a time capsule as a lasting reminder of the expedition.

Bentley also celebrates the 20th anniversary of its powerful 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine, which has both literally and figuratively propelled the company to success for two decades. With the end of production of the W12 set for April 2024, only 12 months of W12 assembly are left before this renowned engine makes way for Bentley's transition to electrification.

The W12 will be honored at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 13 to 16 with a moving display of W12-powered vehicles from the last 20 years, including the new Bentley Batur by Mulliner.

Bentley will conclude the anniversary at this year's Monterey Car Week on August 11 to 18 by unveiling a final one-of-one Bentley Continental GT inspired by the first Bentley Continental GT to roll off the assembly line in Crewe in 2003, VIN number 20001.

VIN 20001 was painted in Cypress Green and had a Saddle leather and Burr Walnut interior. It has remained in the company's hands as an important milestone in the Heritage Collection's garage.

Photos from Bentley Motors

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