Bentley Continental GT W12 2008

History and background

The Bentley Continental GT W12 was introduced in 2003 as the model with which Bentley aimed to reach a wider audience after its acquisition by Volkswagen AG, without distancing itself from the traditional brand image. The Continental GT marked an important milestone for the brand: it was the first Bentley to be built in large numbers within a modern industrial production process, using a platform technology that was also used within the corporate group. This gave Bentley a model that positioned itself as a long-distance gran turismo, combining performance, luxury and everyday practicality.

The 2008 Bentley Continental GT W12 belongs to the first generation of this model. This generation came with the turbocharged twelve-cylinder engine that gave the type its designation. The car was built in Crewe and marked a period for Bentley when the brand greatly expanded its model lineup. Within the market, the Continental GT occupied a position between traditional British luxury coupes and modern high-performance grand tourers. The car thus became an important volume product for Bentley, at a time when the brand saw significantly more examples produced than in the decades before.

In addition to the standard coupe, various versions and derivatives appeared during the course of production, but the Bentley Continental GT W12 remained the core version within the range for many buyers. The model is known as one of the typical Bentley models of the twenty-first century, combining classic brand character with more modern technology and a greater international market approach.

Characteristics and features


The Bentley Continental GT W12 combined a relatively compact coupe shape with a technically refined chassis and an engine configuration that was distinctive within the segment. The W12 engine is a technically unusual construction, consisting of two narrow V-engines combined into one. This type of engine was also used within the Volkswagen group in other luxury and performance models, but its use in the Bentley Continental GT gave the model its own position within the range.

The 2008 example was imported from Japan and has low mileage. The Bentley Continental GT W12 is in clean, good driving condition. This is relevant for this model, as the first generation has now entered a phase of use and value formation in which execution, origin and mileage often determine interest. At the time, the Continental GT came as a four-seat grand tourer with an emphasis on long-distance comfort and a distinctly closed body, clearly distinguishing the model from more conventional luxury cars of the same period.

The Bentley Continental GT W12 is additionally considered a model that helped shape the modern Bentley identity. The car combined traditional brand appeal with larger-scale production and contemporary technology. This made the Continental GT an important reference point within Bentley history and a recognizable model within the luxury coupe segment.

The display indicates that the car is due for service. In addition, given the import from Japan, the mileage displayed cannot be guaranteed.


Summary

The 2008 Bentley Continental GT W12 represents the first generation of an important Bentley model, with a W12 powertrain, Japanese provenance, low mileage and clean, good driving condition. The model occupies a distinct place within recent Bentley history and within the luxury gran turismo segment. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.