At The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, part of Monterey Car Week, Bentley unveiled the very first production Continental GT, VIN20001. Next to it sat its modern counterpart: a third-generation Continental GT inspired by it.
Like the first Continental GT from 2003, the modern version is finished in Cypress Green paint with Saddle leather upholstery and Burr Walnut veneer. But since the modern version of the 20-year-old classic was produced by Mulliner (Bentley's in-house customization division), they decided to show off a bit.
In the two decades since the initial production of the Continental GT, Mulliner has gained expertise. As such, the 2023 model showcases accent hides and contrast stitching in "Special Green" to accentuate the Saddle seats.
Meanwhile, the trim on the fascia and hip rails features two finishes. Both feature open-pore Dark Burr Walnut and high-gloss Dark Burr Walnut sections separated by a Cypress Green pinstripe.
Outside, the 2023 Continental GT benefits from the Blackline, Touring and Styling specifications, which bring polished black exterior brightware, a carbon fiber front splitter, side skirts and diffuser, and a subtle trunk lid spoiler. It also gets 22-inch Sport wheels in Dark Grey Satin, a finish unique to this one-off model.
Throughout, it receives badges celebrating "20 Years of the Continental GT by Bentley Mulliner". In addition, there are drawings of the 2003 and 2023 model outlines on the fascia, center console and door sills. Already sold to its new owner, the keys were handed over at The Quail for an undisclosed price.
In addition to the one-off creation, Bentley has also created a special Continental GT "baton" that will be passed from car to car on a tour of Europe, Asia and the U.S. With its stewards collecting 20 mementos along the way, the baton and souvenirs will be placed in a time capsule upon their return to the automaker's headquarters in the U.K. to become a permanent reminder of the car's unique journey.
Source: Bentley