205mph Bentley Revealed
The fastest production Bentley ever – the new Continental GT Speed – will be seen in London for the first time at Salon Privé 2012, which takes place from the 5th to 7th of September at Syon Park.
It’s a coup for Salon Privé, firmly established as the UK’s most prestigious Supercar Show & Concours d’Elégance as well as a calendar highlight amongst enthusiasts, collectors and buyers of modern and classic supercars, with Bentley Motors, in partnership with its flagship London dealership Jack Barclay, presenting what is widely considered the company’s new performance flagship.
Jack Barclay’s Tom King commented: “Salon Privé is a key venue to debut an important new Bentley like the Continental GT Speed Coupé. We have been supporting Salon Privé since the event’s beginning seven years ago, and know it is the place to introduce products of this status. The concours cars from yesteryear are also outstanding and will appeal to the classic car enthusiast in all of us.”
Salon Privé is not just a motor show, but one of the most prestigious events on the London social calendar, attracting many of the country’s top car enthusiasts and collectors, as well as a plethora of characters found on the Sunday Times Rich List.
First deliveries of the Continental GT Speed Coupé, powered by Bentley’s 6-litre, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W12 engine, will be made later this year, but not quicker than the car’s 0-60mph – a staggering 4 seconds! The handcrafted cabin features a number of signature Speed design cues that ‘combine contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character, but with a no compromise approach to comfort, refinement, craftsmanship and quality’.
Chubb Concours d’Elegance chief judge and Bentley Brand Ambassador Derek Bell MBE, said: “Visitors to this year’s Salon Privé are in for a real treat with the Bentley GT Speed on display. Having driven the car at full tilt and poured over it in detail I can emphatically confirm that it is one of the most impressive pieces of British engineering and craftsmanship of 2012 – so join us at Syon Park in September and see it for yourself.”
And the mere fact that there are no prices announced for the car, as JP Morgan famously said (in paraphrase) about yachts, “If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it.”
The same could be said about the whole Show itself. The Show runs from Sep 5th (Press Day), through Thursday 6th (Boodles Ladies Day, followed by the Diamond Jubilee Ball until 1am), to Friday 7th September which features the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance Judging, and the price of a ticket (Don’t ask!) is inclusive of Pommery champagne, lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and provide full access to all areas.
Apparently it is shaping up to be a sell-out, as it was last year; which is why you find the likes of Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari and Eterniti amongst so many manufacturers showcasing their very latest and most desirable Super Cars, Hyper Cars, Luxury Cars and specialist Coach-built Cars and a whole host of the most exclusive luxury lifestyle brands from a wide range of sectors such as watchmakers, jewellers, luxury mobile handsets, private jet charter and luxury boat manufacturers on display at the Event.
Probably best not to wear jeans and trainers then!