Posts from ‘Bentley’
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
For folks scandalized by the price of new Cadillac and Lincoln SUVs, we have interesting news for you. There is a collection of ultra-luxury people movers hitting the road that make $100,000 Escalades look like economy cars. Crossovers from the likes of Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and even Lamborghini are now available, and the starting prices for these rare utes may startle.
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.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic Brougham
What’s in a name? Sight unseen, would you be more likely to let Thurston Howell III borrow your comb, or some guy that goes by Gilligan? Would your sandwich taste better as croquet monsieur et gruyere, or as a ham and cheese?
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
Dark colors help to hide Buick Rendezvous’s unseemly contour and cut lines, but not much.
For whatever reason, we at Consumer Guide spend a lot of time talking about ugly vehicles. Some might suggest it’s because we’re a surly group and drawn by nature to the negative side of things. I think it’s because we (car folk in general) largely agree on the best-looking vehicles. Seriously, how many car people do you know that don’t appreciate a BMW 507, a 1964 Buick Riviera, a 1963-1967 Corvette, or a Mercedes-Benz Gullwing? Nodding in group appreciation may help us bond, but it doesn’t do much to get the conversation rolling.
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).
Gotham Dream Cars uses this image of the Lamborghini Gallardo on their website.
For Eric, renting a Lamborghini from Imagine Lifestyles in Miami was a transforming experience.
“I felt like I had gone from a regular Joe to Joe DiMaggio!” he beamed.
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.
