In a grand celebration of racing heritage, Bentley Motors is unleashing a limited edition of 48 Continental GT and GTC cars, aptly named the Le Mans Collection. Among these exclusive vehicles, only 24 coupes have been reserved for the discerning European market. These magnificent automobiles are being meticulously crafted in England by Mulliner, Bentley’s esteemed personal commissioning division. The first of this illustrious collection has now graced the roads of Dusseldorf, Germany, marking the beginning of a new era in luxury automotive history.
Each owner of the GT Le Mans Collection is in for a treat beyond the magnificent vehicle itself. The package includes a unique car cover, designed to protect these precious machines, and a special wooden presentation box. Crafted in the same Piano Black and Verdant finish as the car, this box holds not only the car’s key but also an exclusive Speed 8 sculpture and an informative booklet that details the sculpture’s creation. A plaque inside the lid, signed by Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, and Ansar Ali, Mulliner and Motorsport Director of Bentley Motors, adds a personalized touch to this exceptional package.
The GT Le Mans Collection experience extends further with the inclusion of a captivating book, “Speed 8,” authored by automotive expert Andrew Cotton and published by Sportfahrer. This hardback book delves into the rich history of the Speed 8 race car project, tracing its journey from conceptualization to Bentley’s triumph at Le Mans. A dedicated chapter recounts Shaun Lynn’s remarkable Speed 8 car restoration, and the book features a green cover adorned with a silver 2003 wreath, making it a distinct keepsake exclusive to the Le Mans Collection.
What sets the GT Le Mans Collection apart is its significance. This collection commemorates the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that holds an esteemed place in motorsport history. In 2003, the Bentley #7 Speed 8 claimed victory, forever etching its name into the annals of racing greatness. This year also coincides with the centenary of the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, a race in which Bentley achieved the fastest lap, solidifying its status as a motorsport icon.
Each GT Le Mans Collection car arrives adorned with unique features that pay homage to Bentley’s illustrious racing legacy. The dashboard boasts a Bentley Rotating Display that houses a valve extracted from the engine of the victorious 2003 Le Mans-winning #7 Speed 8. The exterior styling is equally evocative, with a Verdant green paint scheme and a Moonbeam racing stripe that embodies the spirit of the racetrack. The No. 7 emblem on the grille serves as a proud reminder of Bentley’s 2003 victory.
Further bespoke details abound, from the high-gloss carbon fiber fascia featuring a six-wreath emblem, symbolizing each of Bentley’s six outright victories at Le Mans from 1924 to 2003, to the Bentley matrix grille, a nod to the brand’s heritage and originally designed to protect the radiator on the unpaved Le Mans racetrack in the 1920s. Inside, the Le Mans Collection cockpit is draped in luxurious Beluga hide, while the standard 12-hour analogue clock has been replaced with a bespoke 24-hour dial design, mirroring the endurance nature of Le Mans racing.
The GT Le Mans Collection is powered by the 6.0-liter W12 TSI engine, delivering a staggering 659 PS (650 bhp) and an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. This formidable powertrain propels the car to a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds), offering a thrilling driving experience that matches the car’s racing legacy.
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