√Limited-edition Bentley Continental GT comes with genuine Le Mans-winning parts

Bentley is celebrating 20 years since its last victory at the iconic Le Mans endurance race with 48 limited-edition Continental GTs – each fitted with genuine parts from the winning machine.

British luxury car-maker Bentley has launched a collection of limited-edition Continental GTs to celebrate 20 years since it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race – and a handful of examples have been confirmed for Australia.

Bentley has announced it plans to build 48 limited-edition Continental GTs, officially named the ‘Le Mans Collection’, in both coupe and convertible body styles, with the brand’s Australian arm announcing it has so far taken two orders at a price of $895,727 (plus on-road costs) each – approximately $350,000 more than the GT Speed variant on which it is based.

Each example of the limited-run model is fitted with a genuine part from the winning racing machine it pays tribute to – with half a valve from the V8 engine which powered the Bentley Speed 8 to victory in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans displayed between two analogue dials on the Continental’s dash.

The valve is surrounded by ‘Le Mans Collection’ lettering and the car’s chassis build number, while additional nods to the endurance race include a 24-hour digital clock, plus sill plates and dash trim with six silver wreath emblems, referencing Bentley’s six wins at Le Mans.

The Bentley Continental GT’s exterior also draws inspiration from the Speed 8, with Verdant Green paint, a white stripe on its bonnet – continuing over the roof on coupe models – and a white ‘7’ on the grille, the number carried by the 2003 race-winning car.

A combination of black and carbon fibre exterior trim contrast the white stripes, while black 22-inch wheels sit in front of carbon ceramic brakes with red calipers.

Despite its pedigree, power is unchanged from the model on which the limited edition is based.

Under the bonnet is Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre ‘W12’ engine, capable of developing up to 485kW and 900Nm, allowing the grand tourer to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 335km/h.

In an attempt to disguise the Bentley Continental GT’s 2.2-tonne mass, the luxury car is fitted with a dynamic ride control system, air suspension, active dampers, all-wheel steering and an electronic limited slip differential.

The car-maker’s celebration of its 2003 Le Mans win coincides with the 100th anniversary of the French endurance race, which has been held every year (excluding 1936 and 1940-1948) since 1923.

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