Bentley Continental GT, 2006
Bentley Continental GT I
Bentley Continental GT I•
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Chassis No.: SCBCE63W66C038781
£370,000 GBP | Sold
- Coachwork by
- Carrozzeria
- Zagato
- The first collaboration between Bentley and Zagato
- One of only nine produced
- Full Bentley service history
The groundbreaking Bentley Continental GT of 2003 was the first Bentley produced under Volkswagen ownership. Its introduction marked a significant change of policy for Bentley; although still hand assembled to a degree, it was built using mass-production techniques and retailed at approximately half the price of the preceding Continental R, extending the prospect of Bentley ownership so a much wider market. Premiered in 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Bentley Continental GT realised the concept of the 1994 Java show car as a more affordable Bentley, which would be manufactured in larger volumes and attract new customers to the famous brand.
The Continental GT was an instant hit, attracting much favourable attention and a lengthening waiting list. It would also turn out to be an outstanding commercial success.
The Continental GT was powered a twin-turbocharged version of the 6.0-litre W12 engine, also found in other VW Group products, which drove via a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive. With 552bhp on tap, this mighty power unit was capable of propelling the two-ton Continental GT to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 318km/h (197mph). The original Continental GT spawned a plethora of related models, including a Flying Spur saloon and GTC convertible.
One of the more exclusive 'spin-offs' was the Zagato-bodied GTZ.
Carrozzeria
Zagato's history of working with major motor manufacturers stretches back to the 1920s, so it is surprising to discover that the Continental GTZ represents the famous Italian styling house's first collaboration with Bentley. Launched at the 2008 Geneva motor show, the GTZ had resulted from a meeting at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance between Dr Andrea Zagato and Bentley's then CEO Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen. Zagato-bodied classics both ancient and modern were on display, prompting Dr Paefgen to ask if they had ever bodied a Bentley. Learning that they had not, he decided to rectify that omission: the result was the Continental GTZ.
Adding an extra cachet of exclusivity to what was already one of the world's most luxurious Gran Turismos, the GTZ grabs the onlooker's attention from every angle. According to
magazine: "The Conti GTZ is still obviously a Bentley, but it's one where British reserve has been artfully spliced with uninhibited Italian flamboyance, most notably manifest in the accentuated haunches and longer, flowing tail. Zagato's trademark double-bubble roof and two-tone paintwork just add to the sense of parallel-universe unreality."
Although it has the same basic shape and proportions as that of the Continental GT, the Zagato body is new from stem to stern; indeed, the only externally visible carryovers from the standard car are its distinctive headlights. Apart from the addition of Zagato's embroidered 'Z' motifs and a full leather headlining, few alterations were made to the Bentley's luxurious and well-appointed standard interior.
This GTZ's first owner purchased it new in 2006 as a standard Continental GT from Jack Barclay's Bentley dealership in London. He enjoyed the car for a few years before sending it in 2009 to Zagato's factory near Milan to be converted to GTZ specification at a cost of €500,000. The first owner's choice of colour scheme is commendably subtle, the elegant combination of a light green exterior and dark green interior being quintessentially British.
This Continental GTZ had resided of London for its entire life - properly serviced and maintained by Jack Barclay and HR Owen. Serviced recently by a Bentley main dealer, the car has covered a mere 8,600 miles from new and is presented in impeccable condition both mechanically and cosmetically.
In its 100-plus years, Carrozzeria Zagato has been responsible for some of the most sublimely styled automobiles the world has ever seen; all are eminently collectible and none more so that the ultra-exclusive Continental GTZ, its first ever collaboration with Bentley.
Стоимость
1 818 640 AED
