Bentley Continental For Sale

There’s a pivotal moment in Bentley’s history that we can mark as BC: Before Continental. The introduction of the first Continental GT was so crucial, not just for sales, but for establishing a blueprint and attitude for the entire brand, that one could argue Bentley might not have survived without it. Without a doubt, it wouldn’t have the same confidence with which it now dominates the luxury car segment, paving the way for a new era. Consider this: the debut of the first W12-powered Continental GT, boasting 552bhp, multiplied Bentley’s sales by ten. While many brands tout their commitment to sustainability and diversity, Bentley’s message is compelling because of its strong flagship model. It’s likely the most successful luxury car of modern times. Now in its third generation for several years, the Continental GT remains the centrepiece of the brand, embodying Bentley’s essence.

As part of the rest of the Bentley range (e.g. Bentayga), the Continental GT benefited from powerful 48v electrics utilised for various purposes, including suspension management. Actuators on the front and rear anti-roll bars work to minimise body roll. The power split, originally set at 40:60, is now fully adjustable, with 100% of torque directed to the rear wheels whenever possible, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. As of April 2024, only one engine option is available. It drives all four wheels through an eight-speed gearbox and, if you’re feeling a bit unruly, via a launch control system. This engine is the V8, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo producing 542bhp, achieving 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 198mph. Alongside the now-discontinued W12, it asserts itself as the sportier choice due to its more aggressive sound and weight reduction over the front axle.

Bentley has ceased taking orders for W12-powered Continental GTs, marking the end of an era for an engine that played a pivotal role in the brand’s modern success. What an engine it was indeed. Dubbed by Bentley as “the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world”, it was a true engineering marvel. The second-generation iteration, a significant overhaul from the ground up compared to the W12 of the 2003 Conti GT, boasted features like high- and low-pressure injection, variable displacement for shutting off half the cylinders when needed, three separate coolant circuits, and remarkable power output. But it wasn’t just power; it was weighty, too. Each W12 engine weighed around 250kg. Over its two-decade lifespan, Bentley increased its power by 34%, torque by 54%. On the one hand, it featured cylinder deactivation technology for efficiency during light loads, yet on the other hand, it roared with a formidable 626bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,350rpm up to 4,500rpm in its most potent form. Talk about performance: 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 207mph. As Bentley concludes production of this automotive titan, it will have churned out over 105,000 W12 engines across its line-up since 2003.

When buying a Bentley Continental GT or GTC, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure a well-informed purchase and to potentially avoid common issues associated with these luxury vehicles.

• Condition: The condition of the vehicle is the first thing to take into account. It’s easy to spot a car that has not been looked after, with obvious damage to paintwork, wheels, and leather. Every car purchased by Alexanders Prestige goes into our in-house body shop, where it is inspected for any imperfections inside or out. These are then corrected prior to the car being put on sale.
• Service History: Maintenance records are the next thing to look at. These ensure that the car has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s schedule and that this has been carried out at a Bentley main dealer or Specialist garage.
• Mechanical Inspection: Some things aren’t easy to spot from the outside, and at Alexanders Prestige, every car is put through a rigorous mechanical inspection prior to sale.
• Warranty: At Alexander Prestige, if the car is not still covered within the manufacturer’s 3-year warranty period, we provide a 6-month Platinum vehicle warranty, meaning you can drive away with peace of mind knowing you’re covered.