Malaysia debuts the One and ONLY Continental GT Le Mans Edition to grace the nation.
With only 48 productions of the limited edition Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTCs collectively around the globe, this 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 powered GT is a celebration that marks 20 years since Bentley’s sixth victory at the 24 Hours Le Mans, and 100 years since the marque’s first running in the world’s most iconic endurance race. Among the discerning few, there exists only one in Malaysia, making it a truly unique and coveted masterpiece.
This exquisite Continental GT Le Mans edition proudly dons the iconic No.7, reminiscent of the stunning Speed 8 that sailed over the line to cement its triumph in ‘03. Bentley enjoyed a commanding presence on the Le Mans track, reigning supreme for four consecutive years from 1927 to 1930. Yet, following this illustrious era, the marque endured a prolonged hiatus spanning 73 years. However, the win in ’03 marked a resounding return to form, embodying modern motorsport heroics while echoing the revered triumphs of Bentley’s storied past.
The Speed 8 that clinched the victory was described by one of its winning pilots, nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, as the “most beautiful machine to ever succeed the classic enduro”. The Le Mans Collection seeks to channel the allure of this iconic machine, integrating elements that exalt its beauty and performance. Beyond its emblematic grille, intricate details throughout the car pay homage to that legendary victory, ensuring every drive is a celebration of Bentley’s enduring legacy on the racetrack.
The Continental GT’s within this collection are finished in Verdant green, with a Moonbeam racing stripe running across the bonnet (and the roof of the Coupés). The Blackline specification nods to the black and green livery of the Speed 8, while the carbon-fibre Styling specification body components are finished in black with a subtle pinstripe in Moonbeam. Beluga Black is also chosen for the lower front bumper, wing mirror caps and rear ‘horseshoe’ area beneath the bootlid spoiler, while black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels shroud powerful carbon ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.
The No.7 featured on the distinctive Bentley matrix grille is elegantly painted in Arctica White, symbolizing the triumphant 2003 victory whilst nodding to the painted radiators of Bentley’s Le Mans championing ‘Blower’ cars from 1924 to 1930.
Transitioning to the interior, the fascia proudly showcases the six-wreath emblem inlaid into high-gloss carbon-fibre, commemorating each of Bentley’s six illustrious victories at Le Mans over the decades. Seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary design, the Le Mans edition Continental GT stands as a testament to triumph and history intertwined.
While the interior of the Continental GTs exudes opulence beyond comparison to the Speed 8, Bentley remains committed to preserving its sporting essence. Welcoming occupants with a bespoke 2003 wreath welcome lamp, the cockpit is adorned with luxurious Beluga hide. Performance-oriented napped Dynamica fabric graces the seat faces, complemented by a monochrome color palette accentuated by contrasting seat stitching and Hotspur seatbelts. The hide-trimmed steering wheel, featuring Dynamic enhancements, is further enhanced with hotspur contrast stitching and a six o’clock accent tab, ensuring a seamless fusion of luxury and sporting prowess.
This limited-edition Continental GT will be one of the last few to feature the iconic W12 engine since Bentley announced its discontinuation last year. The 6.0-litre twin-turbo powerhouse churns 650 bhp and 900 Nm of torque. With exceptional handling, this GT tops out at an impressive 335 km/h with an acceleration to 100km/h from 0 in just 3.6 seconds.
The Le Mans Collection Continental GT was available at a price of approximately RM4.5 million. However, all 48 Le Mans Collection Continental GT’s and GTC’s worldwide have already been spoken for, including the one and only Le Mans edition GT currently present in Malaysia. For the fortunate owner of the sole example in the entire country, every journey is a celebration of heritage, performance, and the enduring legacy of Bentley.
