One-of-One GT Speed Celebrates 20 Years of Continental Success

Bentley Motors brought the 20th birthday celebrations of its now-iconic Continental GT to a close with the reveal and immediate sale of a one-of-one Continental GT Speed, with a specification inspired by that of the very first production Continental GT from 2003. VIN20001, the first GT off the Crewe production line, was displayed alongside the 2023 version at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, also celebrating its 20th birthday and an ongoing part of Monterey Car Week.

August 22, 2023
Having redefined the Bentley brand for the 21st century when it was launched in 2003, catalysing a ten-fold sales increase, the Continental GT remains the benchmark for modern, luxury grand tourers. The first production car – the most important modern car in Bentley’s rejuvenated Heritage Collection – was finished in Cypress Green paint, with an interior of Saddle leather upholstery and Burr Walnut veneer. The bespoke 2023 Continental GT Speed displays a specially commissioned interior inspired by that of its illustrious forbear.
While Saddle leather and Burr Walnut veneer adorn both cabins, the 2023 model offers subtle enhancements of the original model’s theme. The rich Saddle colour is complemented by an accent hide in ‘Special Green’, with contrast stitching in the same shade throughout. The fascia and waist rails feature two different veneer finishes – open pore Dark Burr Walnut over high gloss Dark Burr Walnut – separated by a painted pinstripe in Cypress, thereby connecting the interior with the exterior.
An extensive list of features includes the Blackline, Touring and Styling Specifications – together bringing polished black exterior brightware, a suite of technical enhancements and a carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, diffuser and subtle boot lip spoiler, respectively. The interior features Naim for Bentley audio and the Bentley Rotating Display, while the personalised treadplates read, ‘20 years of the Continental GT by Bentley Mulliner’. This celebratory one-of-one car has already been sold, and was presented to its new owner, an American collector, at The Quail.