Where have all the Bentley Continentals gone
18 April 2011, 02:01 PM
#1
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Where have all the Bentley Continentals gone
I remember back on 2008 they were everywhere, the SE was saturated with them. And most footballers had one.
Since arriving back from abroad I cant say I have seen that many in the last 9 months, I saw one on the M3 yesterday and it got me thinking where did they all go.
I decided to have a look on Autotrader and there are quite a few for sale, over 600 in various guises
So what killed the Continental was it the Credit Crunch, the lease plans they sold them on (I remember them being pretty easy to get hold of) or a better car came along and the ultra rich chopped them in for R8's or whatever the flavour of the month was ??
Since arriving back from abroad I cant say I have seen that many in the last 9 months, I saw one on the M3 yesterday and it got me thinking where did they all go.
I decided to have a look on Autotrader and there are quite a few for sale, over 600 in various guises
So what killed the Continental was it the Credit Crunch, the lease plans they sold them on (I remember them being pretty easy to get hold of) or a better car came along and the ultra rich chopped them in for R8's or whatever the flavour of the month was ??
18 April 2011, 05:12 PM
#3
The 'GT' is just a fashion-fad mobile and nothing more than a 2door Phaeton/A8. As a consequence its image has no staying power, so its residuals have disappeared as quick as the finances of the 'types' that typically buy it.
This is a proper Bentley continental:
Preferably to be had in either a T, or Le-Mans edition. Or a SC if you live in the south of France to use whilst the Yacht is berthed
These hold their value, and if it wasn't for the current Brooklands they'd probably go up in value.
This is a proper Bentley continental:
Preferably to be had in either a T, or Le-Mans edition. Or a SC if you live in the south of France to use whilst the Yacht is berthed
These hold their value, and if it wasn't for the current Brooklands they'd probably go up in value.
Last edited by ALi-B; 18 April 2011 at 05:16 PM.
18 April 2011, 07:33 PM
#6
I do like that below.Not the Continental GT which goes in my RR Sport, Hall of Shame cars.Good point though,they were ten a penny
The 'GT' is just a fashion-fad mobile and nothing more than a 2door Phaeton/A8. As a consequence its image has no staying power, so its residuals have disappeared as quick as the finances of the 'types' that typically buy it.
This is a proper Bentley continental:
Preferably to be had in either a T, or Le-Mans edition. Or a SC if you live in the south of France to use whilst the Yacht is berthed
These hold their value, and if it wasn't for the current Brooklands they'd probably go up in value.
This is a proper Bentley continental:
Preferably to be had in either a T, or Le-Mans edition. Or a SC if you live in the south of France to use whilst the Yacht is berthed
These hold their value, and if it wasn't for the current Brooklands they'd probably go up in value.
18 April 2011, 07:56 PM
#7
My Cousin drives for a bloke that had a Conti GT then got the super Sports 600 plus bhp version, he also drove an Arnage T, apparently no comparison to drive, the Arnage being a wooly but pleasant relic with a reasonable turn of speed and the Conti a lot better, the Super Sports thing is mental, feels quicker than a 997 turbo, utterly incomprehensible how it gathers speed.
So, its easy to get snobby because footballers drive them but there is a reason they are popular, the fact they are loosely based on a VW is irrelevant.
So, its easy to get snobby because footballers drive them but there is a reason they are popular, the fact they are loosely based on a VW is irrelevant.
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19 April 2011, 01:36 AM
#8
Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the way they go, handle and stop (I've driven a couple). But when compared to the others, its just not a Bentley. Its a posh Volkswagen.
The heater controls are out of a Pheaton, the ignition is just like one off a MKIV Golf, and the same with the fuel filler....I mean why put a fancy alloy engine oil filler cap on, and then fit on a naff plastic fuel filler cap off a Skoda? I know alot of the parts bin raiding has been addressed in later models, but it should never have been let out the factory like that - ever. Afterall, its not a kit car built on a budget (or a 1990's Aston Martin either).
Yes it may seem silly, but IMO it made the car appear like it was made on the cheap; which kind of makes it a bit pointless if I could buy a A8 V10 or A8 W12 for alot less money that goes almost as fast (its alot lighter, which is weird).
Tip/prank. If you happen to be a passenger in one, make sure nobody is following and pull the handbrake switch; The car does a full on emergency stop. I could never tire of that gimmick
The heater controls are out of a Pheaton, the ignition is just like one off a MKIV Golf, and the same with the fuel filler....I mean why put a fancy alloy engine oil filler cap on, and then fit on a naff plastic fuel filler cap off a Skoda? I know alot of the parts bin raiding has been addressed in later models, but it should never have been let out the factory like that - ever. Afterall, its not a kit car built on a budget (or a 1990's Aston Martin either).
Yes it may seem silly, but IMO it made the car appear like it was made on the cheap; which kind of makes it a bit pointless if I could buy a A8 V10 or A8 W12 for alot less money that goes almost as fast (its alot lighter, which is weird).
Tip/prank. If you happen to be a passenger in one, make sure nobody is following and pull the handbrake switch; The car does a full on emergency stop. I could never tire of that gimmick
Last edited by ALi-B; 19 April 2011 at 01:38 AM.
19 April 2011, 10:02 AM
#9
Lovely to drive although the the suspension can jar over bumps. Very smooth and a nice muted roar when giving it some. Steering is a bit light and vague but bags of effortless go from the six litre W12 with twin turbos. Can be a little thirsty around town, consumption dips in to single figures!
19 April 2011, 10:17 AM
#10
I prefer the 2011 *model year (not seen one one in the flesh, but will have a trip to Broughtons/Cheltenham for a look).
But not entirely *disappointed with ours and goes with a 186,000 mile Turbo R
There a plenty of UK registered ones in the Black Country:
But not entirely *disappointed with ours and goes with a 186,000 mile Turbo R
There a plenty of UK registered ones in the Black Country:
21 April 2011, 03:17 PM
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Loads around Lymm and Altrincham in Cheshire.
Often driven by peculiarly coloured blond women in big sunglasses. Their husbands seem to have Range Rover Sports.
Steve
Often driven by peculiarly coloured blond women in big sunglasses. Their husbands seem to have Range Rover Sports.
Steve
23 April 2011, 12:16 PM
#18
Yes, very common around Cheshire, one on the end of our road, lady who has it replaces it with an identical one every couple of years, on her third one I think.
My youngest gets dropped off in, his mates mum has, well had one as she now has a Cayenne turbo, hard life isnt it !
My youngest gets dropped off in, his mates mum has, well had one as she now has a Cayenne turbo, hard life isnt it !
12 January 2014, 05:24 AM
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I own 1995 mica red and 1996 British racing green continental R Mullinar both cars are low mileage two previous owners since I live in two different states, I enjoy using and enjoy these cars also have a 9000 miles British racing green 1990 Lotus Espirit SE
I can say I would love a bentley Le Mans Continental R ... I don't know difference with the T anyone enlighten me. I would agree these are cars much better built than the mass produced Bentley Gt a big letdown to a great margue. My friends have the convertible GT and are known for there convertible top catching and tearing , what's a pity these cars are undervalued. If you see one grab it a future classic top gear has interesting posting on the Continental R on utube saying best built car in the world with a timeless design.
I can say I would love a bentley Le Mans Continental R ... I don't know difference with the T anyone enlighten me. I would agree these are cars much better built than the mass produced Bentley Gt a big letdown to a great margue. My friends have the convertible GT and are known for there convertible top catching and tearing , what's a pity these cars are undervalued. If you see one grab it a future classic top gear has interesting posting on the Continental R on utube saying best built car in the world with a timeless design.
12 January 2014, 08:00 AM
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There is mica red one that I see every morning on my way to work. Owned by a landlord and it is always parked half on the kerb outside said pub. Doesn't care for it at all. 
He has had it since I have been at my current job so 6.5 years now. But the pub is always completely dead. I have always thought the pub is a front for some 'shadey' dealings. But that's probably my over active imagination.
Will take a snap of it tomorrow.
He has had it since I have been at my current job so 6.5 years now. But the pub is always completely dead. I have always thought the pub is a front for some 'shadey' dealings. But that's probably my over active imagination.
Will take a snap of it tomorrow.
Is it wrong that I associate Bentleys with footballing n0bs who know nothing about cars?
14 January 2014, 09:28 PM
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15 January 2014, 12:56 AM
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Was passing a local dealer had a black 2006 GT for £25,999 nearly crashed looking is disbelief ... a lot of car for that cash. BTW checked on pistonheads you can have your pick of low milage i.e 60,000 miles for about £27,000
15 January 2014, 05:12 AM
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There is mica red one that I see every morning on my way to work. Owned by a landlord and it is always parked half on the kerb outside said pub. Doesn't care for it at all.
He has had it since I have been at my current job so 6.5 years now. But the pub is always completely dead. I have always thought the pub is a front for some 'shadey' dealings. But that's probably my over active imagination.
Will take a snap of it tomorrow.
He has had it since I have been at my current job so 6.5 years now. But the pub is always completely dead. I have always thought the pub is a front for some 'shadey' dealings. But that's probably my over active imagination.
Will take a snap of it tomorrow.
15 January 2014, 09:22 AM
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