A handsome example of the GTC with a Silverlake Blue over Magnolia colourway
A lightly used example having covered less than 5,000 miles a year on average
A car that has never failed an MOT with the current one valid until July 2023
The Appeal
The Continental GT first appeared in 2003 to become the first Bentley model produced under the ownership of Volkswagen AG who bought the company in 1998. The Continental was conceived as an “entry level” Bentley utilising mass production manufacturing techniques for the first time. Despite this it was immediately successful and soon recognised as a prestigious and desirable sports GT par excellence.
The convertible GTC arrived three years later providing lucky owners with a convertible four-seater car capable of over 190 mph and 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. All whilst cosseting its occupants in exquisite luxury and comfort. Over 15 years on and the GTC delivers a compelling ownership proposition and outstanding value for money.
The History and Paperwork
The car was supplied new in March 2008 via the Bentley dealer network
The car was subsequently used and enjoyed by its first and another 2 owners
The car’s sensible, original mileage has been accrued in a linear fashion
The current owner’s wife prefers a smaller car so the GTC is now available to purchase
A good level of provenance providing paperwork is present
This includes the current V5 registration document
The current MOT is present showing validity until July 2023
This car has a spotless MOT history with no fails or advisories ever recorded
The original book pack in its Bentley leather folder is on hand
This includes the original owner’s manual and service book
The latter documents the service history during all periods of ownership
The service book contains stamps from both Bentley dealers and specialist independents
The last service was undertaken in November 2022, around 600 miles ago
The Interior
Featuring a sublime interior with all the Bentley Continental refinements in evidence
Presenting in excellent condition and exuding the ambiance of a private members club
Finished in Magnolia leather which compliments the exterior colour perfectly
This GTC’s interior is fitted and finished to the highest standards and firmly in keeping with Bentley traditions and reputation. The seats and door card panels are finished in Magnolia hides, with the former being arranged into vertical box pleats.
The front seats are not just in great condition but are also fully electrically adjustable and heated. They are high backed and heavily bolstered in order to combine comfort with optimum support for more spirited, back road excursions. The rear seats are more than just occasional afterthoughts and provide decent space and comfort for passengers. The condition of the leather appears to be excellent throughout.
The dashboard is finished in dark burr walnut veneer which extends into the centre console. A cluster of white on black gauges sit behind the four-spoke, multifunction leather steering wheel. Gear shift paddles are also present.
The standard, high quality Bentley infotainment system is fitted which includes satellite navigation and a six-CD changer unit paired to a large, central display screen. In many ways the star of this exquisite interior may, however, be the signature analogue dashboard clock manufactured by Breitling.
A large and well-shaped boot is provided and finished in hard-wearing grey carpet. A ski-hatch is included to accommodate long, thin…..ski-shaped objects. The underfloor area is home to tools and tyre inflation foam. The holder for the reflective safety triangle is given the Bentley treatment by being a dark leather item, deeply embossed with the flying B emblem.
The Exterior
This example benefits from a highly sophisticated colourway of Silverlake Metallic Blue
The wheels are the optional 20-inch, seven-spoke Bentley alloys
The external presentation of the car is very good indeed, truly belying its age
The sophisticated Silverlake Metallic Blue paintwork of this example suits the Raul Pires and Dirk van Braeckel design very well indeed. The traditional Bentley matrix grille integrated into the bonnet and the famed black winged ‘B’ badge to radiator shell, boot lid and wheel centres leave you in no doubt about the heritage of the car.
In case you remained unconvinced, the large, optional 20-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels should leave you in no doubt at all. The huge 275/35 Pirelli P-Zero tyres are more than just for show but are required to convert the car’s huge power and torque into momentum.
The blue mohair hood appears to be in decent overall condition with just a couple of small nicks reported and photographed. It is understood to operate quickly and smoothly at the touch of a button, just as Bentley intended.
The Mechanics
The GTC is fitted with the behemoth 6L, twin turbocharged W12 engine
Originally rated at an enormous 552 bhp and 479 Ib-ft of torque
Power is fed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission
Bentley’s brief for the GT and GTC was centred on their desire to produce a GT car firmly in keeping with their long and proud sporting heritage. As such no expense was spared on the mechanical specification resulting in a car that could top 190 mph and accelerate to 100 mph in a mere 11 seconds. To ensure safety and drivability in all conditions, a Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive system is fitted as standard.
The owner reports that this car “drives superbly and everything works,” he also maintains “it is very fast and very smooth. A clean and beautiful car.” Given its maintenance history and the sensible milage this car has covered, that will come as no surprise. The service book reveals a history of Bentley dealer attention as well as that of independent specialists. The first five years of servicing were all at the hands of Bentley dealers.
Both the under-bonnet presentation and the condition of the car’s underside suggest this has been a sensibly used and well cared for example, too.
Summary
The Volkswagen Group were looking to make a point with the Bentley GT and GTC. Being the first car produced under Volkswagen’s ownership, no effort or investment was spared in reassuring the world that this historic marque was in safe and appreciative hands. The specification sheet for this car is huge and details only the best materials and highest level of mechanical engineering available at the time.
This is a fine example of the breed too, offering an appealing and popular colourway and presenting in an excellent overall condition. To find that a car of this calibre is available at a similar price point to a mediocre new car is frankly astounding and represents a compelling proposition for any autophile. If you want to combine eye-watering performance with “wind in your hair” luxury and exclusivity then few others will compare to this Bentley GTC.
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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