***Photos supplied by Vendor***
Highlights
- 13 service stamps, 8 of which were from Bentley main dealers
- Desirable high specification Mulliner Pack
- Very presentable for its age both inside and out
The Appeal
As the first car to be released under Volkswagen’s ownership, car enthusiasts waited with bated breath to see if the Continental GT would live up to Bentley’s reputation for luxurious sporting motorcars. Fortunately, Bentley got the new car exactly right with rakish styling, luxurious appointments and a continent-crushing 6.0-litre W12. The first generation of mass-produced Bentleys would remain in continuous production until 2011.
Here we have a GTC Mulliner, based upon the standard Continental but benefiting from a convertible soft top roof and a number of cosmetic enhancements. It is presented in remarkably good condition inside, out and mechanically. So if you’re on the lookout for one of these stylish drop-head coupés, then this is definitely one to consider.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT valid until June 2023
- 42,000 miles confirmed by the MOT and servicing history
- Has passed every MOT test
- 4 owners from new
- V5C present
- 13 stamps in the service booklet, 8 of which are from Bentley main dealers
- Most recently service was completed very recently
- Original book pack
The Interior
- Cream leather with diamond stitching and Bentley embossed seat backs
- Very few blemishes
- Walnut dashboard with knurled gear knob and switchgear
Equipped with the Mulliner Pack, this Continental GTC has a fabulously well appointed interior with contrasting diamond stitching and the Bentley motif embossed in the seat backs. You also got knurling on the switchgear and gear knob in what was perhaps a nod to the pre-war Bentleys upon which the company built its reputation.
It’s hard to believe that this car is now 13 years old as there is ever so little wear anywhere to speak of. Naturally, the driver’s seat is slightly more creased than the others but this is hardly noticeable and we couldn’t see any signs of damage or excessive wear. The same goes for the controls as the steering wheel gear lever and pedals all look to be in good order.
Sensibly, the original owner ordered this Bentley with dark carpets which has paid dividends as we couldn’t see any staining or evidence of heavy foot traffic. The switchgear all remains legible and in good working order. The vendor informs us that the instrumentation and infotainment system (which uses the standard Bentley sound system) function as they should with no known faults to report. The dashboard appears free from UV damage and the walnut veneers complement the diamond stitching in lending the cockpit a premium feel.
The Exterior
- Royal Blue Metallic paintwork
- Mohair hood virtually unmarked and operates well
- 20” 7-spoke alloy wheels
Royal Blue Metallic really shows off this Bentley’s sleek styling and we particularly like how that colour continues onto the mohair convertible roof. There are incredibly few marks around the car and it presents exceedingly well for its age. The paintwork continues to gleam as it did when new and the bodywork remains very straight with no evidence of corrosion or damage.
The mohair folding roof also has very few blemishes and the vendor informs us that it operates exactly as it should. Complementing the subtlety of the exterior colour scheme, there is little in the way of brightwork, but what there is looks to be in great shape, with no pitting or damage.
Owing to its Mulliner specification, it sits upon 20” 7-spoke alloy wheels which are in good condition overall. The vendor points out a small amount of flaking to the centres of the offside front wheel although this is hardly noticeable unless you are inspecting it closely. The Dunlop tyres all match and reportedly have plenty of tread remaining.
The Mechanics
- 6.0-litre W12 engine
- Good service history
- Recent oil and filter change
The 6.0-litre W12 engine fitted to the Continental GTC really is an engineering marvel and provides effortlessly smooth delivery of power and torque. Coupled to a 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox, these cars make excellent long-legged grand tourers that remain impressive to this day.
Having been subject to judicious servicing throughout its life, the vendor informs us that this Bentley is in fine mechanical condition. It has recently received an oil and filter change along with other regular servicing checks so is ready to be driven. It always starts without fault and runs well with no smoke or leaks apparent. To drive, we’re informed that this car performs really well with no untoward noises or idiosyncrasies.
Summary
Most collections include at least the one grand tourer and this Bentley Continental GTC would be an excellent way of ticking that box. As petrolheads, we occasionally want a car that will happily swallow vast distances but we don’t want to compromise on styling, performance or interesting mechanicals.
With the option to traverse continents with the roof up or down, making progress serenely or at great pace, the versatile Continental GTC Mulliner is a great choice.
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