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1947 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe
Note: The following story was excerpted from the April 2002 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
Bentleys were fast sport tourers—absolutely dependable, but loud. By 1931, when Bentley Motors went into receivership, its larger cars were competing with Rolls-Royce. In a surprise move, Rolls bought its English competitor to prevent future rivalry.
Our test Continental GT Speed arrived in “St. James Red” and equipped up to $229,340, including a $2725 destination charge and $1700 Gas Guzzler Tax.
2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed
Dates tested: 4/01/2014-4/04/2014
Miles Driven: 144
Fuel Used: 8.5 gallons
The key fob of the Bentley Continental GTC Speed is heavier than conventional fobs.
The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is one of the most luxurious vehicles on the planet, and as such, it has a key to match its opulence. After all, a chintzy plastic fob would dilute the ownership experience (we’re looking at you, BMW M5).
2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed convertible
Since the Volkswagen Group took over stewardship of Bentley, the German carmaker has pretty much left its British subsidiary to its own devices. VW provides some chassis and powertrain expertise while Bentley’s own designers and engineers craft the equivalent of automotive sculpture inside and out. This partnership has paid dividends, as Bentley has seen its sales consistently increase in the U.S. (its biggest market) and around the world.
You might not need us to tell you that a Bentley is fabulous. Stunning lines, sumptuous interiors, and tremendous power are just a few of the many high points of the brand’s entire product line.
What’s not to love? Price and fuel economy are obvious things, but a few of the niggles I had with our recent 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed convertible go a bit deeper than that. While this is still an absolutely wonderful grand touring sports car, this shining diamond has a few flaws.
Disclaimer: The spleen venting here is strictly that of the author, and the opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the entirety of Consumer Guide Automotive.
2014 Continental GTC Speed
At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Bentley showed off its 2014 Continental GTC Speed, the high-performance version of its popular Continental GTC exotic convertible.
2013 Bentley Mulsanne MDS
It was fast, faster, and fastest for Bentley at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The British purveyor of ultra-high-end vehicles showcased two production vehicles and one race car at its booth.
This is the current Continental Flying Spur sedan. Chris expects the new version to include a sleeker, less-formal look via new outer body panels.
Bentley is putting the final touches on a major update of its Continental Flying Spur sedans. According to Britain’s Autocar magazine, the revised versions will launch in late 2013 with fresh styling, a first-time V8 option, revamped interiors, and assorted technical changes.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
The executives at Rolls-Royce will be pleased to know that Consumer Guide honored the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Sedan as the top-rated U.S.-sold vehicle, giving it a score of 84. But they also must deal with this reality: The 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur tied the Phantom with an 84 score . . . and is less than half the price. While Rolls officials can boast of the brand’s prestige and that their cars are largely handmade, Bentley is no slouch. Queen Elizabeth herself has planted her royal heiny in the back seat of a Bentley. The Flying Spur’s starting price of $184,200 makes the Phantom Sedan’s $380,000 price tag seem outrageously bloated.
Peek Inside a Bentley
While strolling around the 2012 New York Auto Show, I spied this Bentley Mulsanne. During the “public” days of an auto show, vehicles of this caliber are usually cordoned off and well out of reach of the masses. However, during the “press” days, most automakers’ products are accessible and interaction is encouraged.
