Bentley celebrates 20 years of the definitive GT

To celebrate 20 years of the Continental GT, Bentley Motors is hosting a four-month programme of unique models, drives and events that kicked off at the Shanghai Auto Show, with the debut of a one-of-one Continental GT S.

The unique GT S 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 one-of-one Shanghai show car is rendered in Magnetic dark grey metallic, complemented by black chrome and black 22” 10-spoke sports wheels but with a splash of colour provided by red brake calipers. The black-and-red theme is carried into the interior, with duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black.

A bespoke interior features a unique Mulliner colour way, dual-finish fascias and waistrails and bespoke detailing to centre console and treadplates.

The upper fascia veneer is in Granite Stone, giving a unique 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 first generation Continental GT and second of the third generation, representing the 20 years of the modern GT. The same design can be found on the centre 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 unrivalled craftsmanship. It was hailed as the fastest genuine four seat coupé in the world with a top speed in excess of 300 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h time of 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.

The first Continental GT to leave the production line at Crewe in 2003 (VIN number 20001), was finished in Cypress Green with an interior in Saddle hide and Burr Walnut. From that day to this, it has remained in the company’s possession as a significant milestone in the Heritage Collection’s garage.

At this year’s Monterey Car Week during August, Bentley will reveal a final one-of-one Continental GT – inspired by VIN 20001 - to close the birthday celebrations.