Twin-turbo W12 grand tourer — the first Volkswagen-era Bentley and the founding modern Continental.
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Launched in 2003 as Bentley's first new car under Volkswagen Group ownership, the first-generation Continental GT used a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine producing 552 bhp, paired with a 6-speed ZF automatic and full-time all-wheel drive. The car was hand-finished at Bentley's Crewe facility and rapidly became the brand's defining modern model.
The range expanded to include the Continental GT Speed (2007, 600 bhp), GT Speed (2009 facelift, 610 bhp) and the limited Supersports (2009, 621 bhp).
First modern Bentley GT — defined the marque's renaissance and remains the most usable hand-built W12 grand tourer.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental GT | 2003–2010 | — | 552 bhp; founding model. |
| Continental GT Speed | 2007–2010 | — | 600 bhp; firmer chassis. |
| Continental GT Speed (facelift) | 2009–2011 | — | 610 bhp; revised front end. |
| Continental Supersports | 2009–2011 | — | 621 bhp; carbon-ceramic brakes optional. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Bentley Continental GT (Mk1), the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Original wheels, factory mulliner specification, low mileage, complete service file.
6.0 W12 is robust but coil packs, ignition harnesses, coolant lines and air-spring units are the recurring items. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
Original paint, full Bentley main-dealer history and lead colours (Beluga, British Racing Green, Moonbeam) drive the strongest examples. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres and date-coded rubber components must be replaced regardless of mileage, and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.
Bentley factory-trained independents now offer realistic running costs; main-dealer rates are very high. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific bodywork, electronics, gearbox and engine components. A discounted car waiting on unobtainable parts or a factory service slot is rarely a saving in collector ownership.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Mk1 Continental GT values bottomed in the late 2010s and are slowly firming on the strongest examples. Supersports cars are leading; standard GTs remain inexpensive but service items must be priced in.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-10 | Bring a Trailer Online | 2011 Continental Supersports | 18,400 mi | $82,500 Sold |
| 2025-05-22 | Collecting Cars Online | 2009 Continental GT Speed | 44,200 mi | £37,250 Sold |
Supersports and limited derivatives have started to firm; standard cars are useable bargains rather than investments.
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Register interestThe valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
