Distinctive Umbrian Red with Crème leather interior
Very low mileage
Immaculate condition inside and out
Full Bentley and Bentley specialist service history with 11 stamps
W12 GT with 6litre twin turbo 522bhp engine
MOT to September 2023 with no advisories
Has just been serviced
Number plate can be included upon separate negotiation after sale of vehicle
The Appeal
The Bentley GT was a game-changer for the firm, its first volume production car and one that brought ownership within the reaches of, if not perhaps many people, certainly a few more.
One of those people was Sir Elton John, the first owner of this beautiful Umbrian Red GT. Perhaps he chose the colour to match his other Bentley Continental, a red convertible that featured in the video for Nikita.
The GT was launched in late 2003 with a technically innovative W12 twin turbocharged 6litre engine. This car was the 414th built, first registered in early 2004, which indicates that Sir Elton was high on the waiting list for this brand new Bentley.
One owner on – he has owned it since 2007 – and the car is in remarkable condition, likely not much different to the time Elton first cast his eyes over it. It has covered less than 9,500 miles yet has been treated to a full Bentley and Bentley specialist service history of 11 stamps. This Continental GT really stands out, and not just for that lovely colour. It is a rare opportunity to buy the Rocket Man’s rocket ship.
The History And Paperwork
First registered on 27th February 2004
Two owners, the second since 2007
First owner Elton John as confirmed by the DVLA V5
414th Continental GT from first year of production
Full Bentley and Bentley specialist service history with 11 stamps
Last serviced in February 2023 and just 14 miles covered since
All service and handbooks included in sale
The Interior
Crème leather interior with walnut veneers
Satnav
Cruise control
Heated and electric memory seats
Immaculate unmarked condition throughout
This is the section where we highlight any blemishes or issues with the interior. Quite simply: there aren’t any. A close study of the photographs indicates that all the many fixtures and fittings appear perfect and as they left the factory. Even the normal signs of age on the driver’s seat and steering wheel are missing: both look much as they probably did the first time Sir Elton sat down behind the wheel.
Instead we can tell you how beautiful it all looks. Continental GT interiors seem to work particularly well with light colours, the Crème leather of this one providing a nice contrast to the dark walnut veneers. The door trims and headlining are equally good. Even the paint on the door sills and the stainless sill covers are immaculate and unscuffed.
The specification of this car is, as you might expect, considerable. Aside from the high quality wood and hide, there is satnav, cruise control, heated and electric memory seats in the front and, because this was a proper sporting Bentley, a start/stop engine button. It really is a lovely place to be, cleverly blending tradition and technology, from the classic Bentley organ ventilation pulls to the infotainment screen.
The Exterior
Rare Umbrian Red metallic paintwork
Optional 19inch split-rim, part polished alloy wheels in excellent condition
Excellent panel fit and no visible dents, stone chips or deterioration
Premium Pirelli P-Zero tyres fitted all round
Bentley’s goal with the GT was to create a high end sports car with broader appeal than its traditional models, but one that still played to the firm’s customer base. In short, it needed to look like a Bentley.
The Continental name dates right back to the early 1950s when the firm introduced cars designed to cross continents with ease. The GT fits right into that tradition. It is a bold and purposeful design.
It is unusual to find a Continental GT with the beautiful Umbrian Red paintwork of this car as most are usually blue, grey or black. It suits the car well and has the added advantage of being selected by Sir Elton John. It seems likely his choice was influenced by his existing Continental, which is the same colour.
The bodywork on this car is immaculate. We have studied the photographs closely and can find no obvious issues to highlight. The sills inside the doors and around the door locks are perfect, with not even light scratches detracting.
The lovely optional 19inch split rim alloys, with polished rims, are in equally good condition. The only issue is extremely minor – there is slight discolouration of the polished rim on the offside rear wheel. _RMP5596-Edit.jpeg3.94 MB
The Mechanics
6litre W12 55sbhp twin turbo engine
6spd automatic ZF ‘tiptronic’ automatic gearbox
11 Bentley and Bentley specialist service stamps
MOT to September 2023 with no advisories
Last serviced 14 miles ago in February 2023
Nearly 100 years ago, at the dawn of Bentley Motors, its founder W O set out the firm’s vision. His cars, he proclaimed, would be comfortable and very luxurious but “would possess a thinly veiled ability to turn into something special at any moment."
The GT’s designers must have had those words ringing in their ears when they developed this car. Because beyond the high levels of luxury and comfort there is the heart of the machine, a 6litre, 552bhp engine that unquestionably has the ability to turn this car into something quite special.
The engine uses an unusual W12 format, essentially four rows of three cylinders joined together. This arrangement delivers exceptionally smooth and effortless power. In the GT it is matched to a 6spd ‘Tiptronic’ gearbox that offers full and semi-automatic modes.
Such a complex engine inevitably requires careful maintenance. This car has covered less than 9,500 miles in its 19 years and has 11 Bentley main dealer and specialist stamps to evidence its careful life. Those stamps, visible in the photographs, speak of a very gentle existence, typically covering a few hundred miles a year. Nevertheless, the two owners still ensured it was serviced correctly and by the right sort of people.
The car was last serviced in February 2023 and has covered less than 20 miles since. The MOT runs to September 2023 and there were no advisories on the last one.
Summary
The Bentley Continental GT launched the firm into the modern era and introduced high quality production principles from new owners Volkswagen. Nearly 20 years on it remains a handsome and distinctive shape.
It looks particularly good in the rare Umbrian Red metallic of this car, complemented by the lovely Crème interior. The two owners have both clearly been fastidious and careful, but only one of them is a world-conquering rock star of the first order. That interesting background plus the low mileage and cloth-of-gold service history surely make this GT a very enticing prospect.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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