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Bentley Continental, Evolution of an icon [+video]

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The Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconic cars on the road today. The Continental name first entered the company’s lexicon in 1952 with the R-Type Continental – arguably the world’s first Grand Tourer. 

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With a top speed of 120 mph it was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its launch. Many of the 208 examples produced were coachbuilt by Mulliner – a name that is still closely associated with Bentley to this day.

Bentley Continental GT CabrioletPhoto: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

With just three strokes of the designer’s pen, the shape of the Continental comes to life – the striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line. These three elegant styling cues have remained a fundamental part of the Continental’s DNA over six decades.

Today’s Continental elegantly fulfils the same grand-touring brief as its forebear. With immense W12 power, a top speed of 206 mph and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort, the Continental GT Speed is a truly extraordinary car.

Watch the video of the Bentley Continental’s evolution below!