Relisted due to a non-paying buyer

Highlights

Hugely desirable specification and colour scheme
Comprehensive main dealer and specialist service history throughout its life
Rare bespoke Mulliner spec
Very low mileage for the year
Private plate included in the sale

The Appeal

When Bentley brought out a convertible version of the successful Continental GT, it added yet another dimension to what was already a consummate sporting two-door tourer. Add to that, the towering performance of the 552bhp W12 V-12 engine and you have a virtually unsurpassed Gran Turismo combination.

This particular example takes the appeal even further. Originally ordered by a high-profile footballer (with the financial resource that that brings) this example was not simply a ‘Mulliner spec’, but a special order 2008 MY frame pulled off the production line and sent to the coachbuilder’s workshops with a long and often quite subtle list of requests and refinements to be added.

As such, you will see hand-stitched leather in the back as well as the front (and on lower door cards), more carefully matched veneers on all wood panels, and an even more carefully constructed and layered hood with internal tensioners keeping the fabric taut.

Of course, on top of all that, as a V12 Bentley coupe, it’s still one hell of a drive.

The History and Paperwork

Maintained by Bentley dealers and Bentley specialists throughout its life
Comprehensive service history
Always supplied with OEM parts

A very comprehensive service history – demonstrated by the fully-stamped service book – shows the GTC to have been very well maintained throughout its lifetime. The present owner has registered the car with Bentley, has always been careful to have any parts replaced with genuine Bentley spares and has maintained a regime of maintenance and replacement before wear and tear is allowed to become an issue.

The Interior

Full black-on-black, hand-stitched leather-trimmed interior
Highest levels of equipment and comfort
Carefully matched wood veneers add to the air of craftsmanship
All original features retained

The ‘Beluga Black’ leather with its distinctive quilted pattern in the seat cushions remains a striking feature of the car, outlined as it is with white stitching on the outer edges of the seats. The hides are in excellent shape, showing only light creasing and a gentle patina.
The seats retain all of their colour in both front and back. Seat panels and cushions are well defined and firm. The stitching remains a nice contrasting feature – clean and tight – while the embroidered Flying-B logos are bright with crisply defined detail.

It's worth noting again that this essentially bespoke-finished car has a more considered – and feature matched level of trim than a ‘standard Mulliner’.

The door panels, arm rests and handles have obviously been afforded a good level of care and respect by the car’s owners, and remain in excellent condition.

The dark walnut fascia and its inset chromed buttons and switches remain an impressive feature of the car. Everything works and its nice to see items that are of their time, like the armrest-installed voice controlled mobile phone – are still respected and kept in good working order, although you can pair your smart phone to the integrated Bluetooth if you prefer. Controls still very much in use – gear stick and steering wheel – remain very presentable, showing only little signs of use.

Elsewhere around the cabin, the headlining, mats and carpets are clean and stain-free. The underside of the roof is taut and clean. It fits snugly to the bodywork and shows absolutely no signs of fade, wear or leaks. Down below, the mats show neat bound edges. Understandably, that on the driver’s side is a little more worn.

Overall, the touring cabin remains a space very worthy of the names Bentley and Mulliner.

The Exterior

Paintwork retains an excellent gloss
All panels straight
Genuine Bentley 20in split rim alloy wheels
Deep black hood in excellent condition

The car’s bodywork is in beautiful condition with the silver paintwork retaining the deepest shine all over. There are no blemishes of any significance – certainly no polishing swirls or nail marls around door handles.

Panelwork remains straight, with the contours of the bodywork flowing smoothly. With the roof up or down, shut lines and panel gaps are narrow, consistent, and even. The steel rear tonneau melds perfectly with the bodywork when closed. The subtle brightwork inserts are similarly snug-fitting and retains a consistently bright finish with no signs of discoloration. All doors and lids open without groaning or sagging, and the roof operates smoothly, folding perfectly its tray.

All the light clusters are bright and clean, and the body-coloured radiator grill detail (as well as the black frills below) is in fine shape. There is no gravel rash to the nose.

The Mechanics

Solid and clean underneath
Clean engine bay
Good condition tyres all round

The underside of the Bentley looks to be very healthy, with that deep front spoiler showing no cracks and remaining remarkably free of any major scuffs. Moving underneath the car, the undertrays show no signs of damage or corrosion (save for the odd bolt head).

The exhausts are fine, and there is no corrosion or cracking where they exit the rear valance. The undersides of the doors are very clean and again, the outer rubbers and seals are in excellent condition. Suspension components, where visible, look to be in excellent health. Those big beefy split-rim alloys look very tidy and the tyres boast some 6mm tread on the fronts and at least 5mm on the rears.

The big motor itself looks to be in good shape, showing no signs of leaks, oxidation or corrosion. Everything appears to be very much intact and in its proper place. Hoses appear supple and show no signs of perishing or cracking.

Similarly, all plastic components remain a very healthy shade of black and show no signs of cracking, heat damage or fatigue. The struts supporting the bonnet hold up the big lid without complaint, while the underside of the bonnet and grill appear very tidy.

Summary

The performance, condition and indeed honesty of this Bentley are in no doubt. They will draw any petrolhead and open-topped touring fan straight to this car. But it’s the small details that will give its next owner a further satisfaction, probably to be enjoyed quietly to themselves – the bespoke build sheet, the added care over details.

You might say it’s one for the true enthusiast and connoisseur.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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