Bentley celebrates with the Number 9 Edition
Two Bentley teams competed in the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans race. For the official works effort the gruelling event was hugely successful, as its #4 and #2 Speed Six cars finished first and second respectively.
However, the other contingent – privately funded by aristocrat Dorothy Paget – ultimately had a disastrous time. They took three specially-developed supercharged 4½ Litre ‘Blowers’ to France, but #8 and #9 failed to finish due to engine problems. #7 didn’t even make the start for the same reason.
A new limited edition created to mark the company’s centenary is therefore rather confusing. That’s because it honours the aforementioned #9 4½ Litre driven by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin and Jean Chassagne. The victorious #4 Speed Six of Woolf Barnato and Glen Kidston would have been a more fitting subject, particularly as founder W.O.Bentley abhorred forced induction.
Despite the historic anomaly, the logically-named Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner is pleasingly distinctive.
Customers can opt for either Viridian (green) or Beluga (black) paintwork. The exterior also features body-coloured 22” Mulliner Driving Specification wheels, a carbon body kit, unique badges and a prominent white ‘9’ graphic on the front grille.
Inside, the centre console boasts an ‘Engine Spin’ turned aluminium finish, gold-plated ‘organ stop’ switches and a bespoke 1930s-inspired British Jaeger clock. The ambience is completed by a choice of either Cumbrian Green or Beluga heritage hide upholstery.
100 examples of the Number 9 Edition are going to be produced. Each one will have a tangible link to the 4½ Litre in the form of a small piece of wood, which was cut from #9’s original seat during a recent restoration. The fragment, set in resin, occupies the middle dial of the dashboard’s rotating display.
Bentley has yet to confirm pricing.
Related posts:
2019 Bentley Continental GTC revealed
Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner unveiled
However, the other contingent – privately funded by aristocrat Dorothy Paget – ultimately had a disastrous time. They took three specially-developed supercharged 4½ Litre ‘Blowers’ to France, but #8 and #9 failed to finish due to engine problems. #7 didn’t even make the start for the same reason.
A new limited edition created to mark the company’s centenary is therefore rather confusing. That’s because it honours the aforementioned #9 4½ Litre driven by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin and Jean Chassagne. The victorious #4 Speed Six of Woolf Barnato and Glen Kidston would have been a more fitting subject, particularly as founder W.O.Bentley abhorred forced induction.
Despite the historic anomaly, the logically-named Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner is pleasingly distinctive.
Customers can opt for either Viridian (green) or Beluga (black) paintwork. The exterior also features body-coloured 22” Mulliner Driving Specification wheels, a carbon body kit, unique badges and a prominent white ‘9’ graphic on the front grille.
Inside, the centre console boasts an ‘Engine Spin’ turned aluminium finish, gold-plated ‘organ stop’ switches and a bespoke 1930s-inspired British Jaeger clock. The ambience is completed by a choice of either Cumbrian Green or Beluga heritage hide upholstery.
100 examples of the Number 9 Edition are going to be produced. Each one will have a tangible link to the 4½ Litre in the form of a small piece of wood, which was cut from #9’s original seat during a recent restoration. The fragment, set in resin, occupies the middle dial of the dashboard’s rotating display.
Bentley has yet to confirm pricing.
Related posts:
2019 Bentley Continental GTC revealed
Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner unveiled
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