To celebrate 20 years of the Continental GT, Bentley Motors is hosting a four-month program of unique models, drives, and events that kicks off today at the Shanghai Auto Show with the debut of a one-of-one Continental GT S. This unique car showcases several bespoke Mulliner features, including commemorative badging, inlays and design motifs marking 20 years of the car that has defined the modern era of Bentley Motors.
The exterior of the special GT S for Shanghai is the strikingly sinister Magnetic dark grey metallic, complemented by black chrome and black 22” 10-spoke sports wheels but with a splash of color provided by red brake calipers. The black-and-red theme is carried into the interior, with a duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black.
A bespoke interior features a unique Mulliner colorway, dual-finish fascias and waistrails and bespoke detailing to the center console and treadplates. The upper fascia veneer is in Granite Stone, giving a uniquely tactile finish, while the lower veneer is in Grand Black and features a laser-etched overlay celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the Continental GT. A red pinstripe separates the two finishes, stretching across the fascia from door to door and passing across the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents.
The treadplates proudly display two silhouettes, one of the 1st generation Continental GT and the second of the 3rd generation, representing the 20 years of the modern GT. The same design can be found on the center console, whilst the LED welcome lamp in the door has a unique design celebrating the anniversary of the iconic grand tourer.
Launched in 2003 as the first all-new Bentley of the modern era, the first with all-wheel drive, and the first to feature the innovative W12 engine, the Continental GT helped to propel Bentley to its current status as the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world.
At the time of its launch in 2003, the Continental GT offered a unique combination of stunning design, supercar performance, and unrivaled craftsmanship. It was hailed as the fastest genuine four-seat coupé in the world with a top speed in excess of 190 mph (300 km/h), and a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds). With no comparable rivals at its price point, the Continental GT swiftly became a global sensation, defining a new market sector.
Now in its third generation, the Continental GT and its stablemate the Continental GTC continue to garner awards and accolades. In 2022 the Continental GT Speed won the respected Robb Report Car of the Year award; remarkably, the Continental GT V8 S succeeds it as Car of the Year winner for 2023. The Continental GT also achieved back-to-back wins at the Auto Motor und Sport awards in February 2023, winning the luxury class import category for the second year in a row in a poll of more than 101,000 readers.
