The British car manufacturer Bentley is known for the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement it offers. Every model series launched by Bentley is magnificent in its own terms. The Continental series is one of the most sought-after vehicles ever manufactured by Bentley. The Continental car series is considered a perfect blend of luxury and agility. The model fulfils the definition of luxury, yet contains all the characteristics of a sporty vehicle.
Here we will elaborate on the Bentley Continental history, its models and generations in detail.
Bentley Continental Models List
The journey of Bentley Continental started in the 19th century. The ambition was to design a vehicle that can easily drive through the roads of different continents, hence the tag ‘Continental’.
Bentley has been manufacturing vehicles for touring since 1921. However, the name ‘Continental’ was officially adopted by the company in 1952. Let’s discuss different Bentley Continental models and their specifications.
Bentley R-Type (1951 to 1955)
The first model of this series was the Bentley R-Type Continental. This model was completely designed for catering for the needs of Post-WWII society. The car’s body was low, elongated with a fastback roofline and fins at the rear end. The six-cylinder engine provides the vehicle top speed of 160 km/h. At the time of its release, the R-Type was the most expensive and fastest four-seater vehicle.
Bentley Continental S (1955 to 1965)
The Bentley’s luxury car series was continued with the launch of Continental S. The model was launched in 1955 and became instantly popular. The Continental S1 has an inline-6 engine that was paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission system. The car can speed from 0 to 96 km/h in 13.1 seconds with a top speed of 165 km/h. Whereas, the drophead coupe S2 was offered with a 6.3-Litre V8 engine.
Bentley Continental R (1991 to 2003)
The Bentley Continental R was the improved version that caters to all the demands of the modern industry. The R series was the perfect combination of a comfortable interior and a powerful engine. Exclusive and two-toned upholstery was used in the cabin to maintain the luxury standards. A sophisticated and advanced car computer was used that can respond to the driver’s input.
The edgy exterior of the car was paired with a stainless steel laser-cut front grille. Moreover, a V8 engine was offered to power this luxury vehicle.
Bentley Continental T (1997 to 2002)
The Bentley Continental T was given a sportier look. A number of analogue metres showing different readings were placed on the central console. Whereas, the infotainment system was adjusted beneath these metres. The exterior was similar to that of Continental R however, the front grille was redesigned.
A turbocharged V8 engine was used in this series that was capable of generating 800.0 Nm @ 2150 rpm. The 2WD drivetrain system was powered by a 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Bentley Continental GT (2003 to 2010)
The Continental GT’s exterior was exclusively designed to fulfil 20th century automotive standards. The ‘GT’ refers to the ‘Grand Touring’ used to reflect the durability, comfort and speed the car can provide. The car features pillar-less cabins, a flush rear-spoiler, short overhangs and a powerful W12 engine.
The replacement of V engines with the W12 makes it one of its own kind. These W12 engines were paired with a 6-speed transmission system. The GT series was also available in convertible trims named, Continental GTC. A special sub-series of Continental was launched under the banner of ‘Continental Diamond’ that specifically caters to the niche market audience (Royals and Nobles). The wide range of car types and varied engine makes GT a popular and one of the cars that saved their brands.
Bentley Continental GT (2010 to Present)
The Bentley Continental GT coupe achieved success similar to its predecessors. By launching this model, Bentley set new benchmarks of luxury, comfort, speed and drivability. The exquisite craftsmanship is visible from the sharp edges of the car’s exterior. This model series is offered with a 6.0-Litre W12 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission system.
Special Edition Models
Bentley Continental Sedanca Coupe (SC)
SC was a limited edition vehicle launched in 1998. The vehicle was built on the template of Continental T. However, it contains a removable centre roof section that can be stored in a special compartment. It has a V8 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Bentley Continental R Mulliner
R Mulliner was unveiled in the year 2000. It was an ultimate luxury vehicle with advanced features. The vehicle has a climate control system with different A/C outlets for front and rear seats. Moreover, the cabin was decorated with walnut wood and two-stage heating seats.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
The Spur was a special series launched from the platform of Continental GT. The first model of Spur debuted in 2005 and was acclaimed to be the fastest car ever built by Bentley with a top speed of 318 km/h.
Continental R Millennium Edition
Millennium Edition was launched in the 2000s to mark the start of the new era. The car has a redesigned matrix front grille, 18-inch wheelbase and a wider body. The vehicle was powered by a turbocharged V8 engine with a top speed of 249 km/h.
This was all about the Bentley Continental History. With no exception, every Bentley Continental model redefines luxury and comfort in a new manner. These models were the trendsetters of the luxury automotive industry. If you want to leverage the aforementioned features of Bentley, browse through these used Bentley Continental for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on the Bentley Continental history and generations
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