The Bentley Continental - A Timeless Classic

What makes a Continental?

The term ‘Continental’ has been used by various manufacturers. Most notably Rolls Royce who developed a new type of car suited to the long, high speed road networks being built in continental Europe in the 1930s. It became a term associated with a type of car that was elegant, handcrafted and designed to drive long distances with ease. The wealthy elite adopted the Bentley as their choice for continental adventures and their grand tours.

The rise of the Bentley Continental

Now owned by Rolls Royce, the first Bentley to wear the Continental name was the R-Type Continental developed in 1952. At the time, the R-Type Continental was considered an engineering marvel. It was the fastest production car available, reaching speeds of 120 mph and producing 153 php from its 4.5 litre engine. This performance was only possible due to new innovative design ideas unique to Bentley. The extensive use of aluminium enabled the weight to be reduced and the development of a new performance tyre in collaboration with Dunlop gave the R-Type the ability to travel at that sort of speed.

The R-Type Continental went a long way to lay the foundations to what would become the modern Bentley brand and showed the world they would not compromise on performance. Their cars were always to be the peak of power and hand-crafted style. Only 200 R-Types were ever made, adding to their almost mystical reputation.

A stunning example of a 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental

A 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental showing how they can be individualised

The Bentley brand was further enhanced with the introduction of the Bentley S1 Continental, first produced in 1955. The S1 was even more refined and was the most expensive car produced at the time. Stars such as Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra became synonymous with the Continental during Hollywood’s golden age and the car became an icon. The S2 and S3 models became the backdrop to the 1960s, but the models never lost their sporting performance with the introduction of a monumental 6.2 litre V8 which has gone down in history as one of the engines greatest of all time.

The modern Continental

Various Bentley Continental models were introduced in the 1970s 80s and 90’s, but we look to 2003 as a pivotal moment in the Bentley Continental’s history. This marked the introduction of the Continental GT. The Continental GT became Bentley’s first all-wheel-drive chassis, combining it with a twin-turbocharged W12 engine capable of a top speed of just shy of 200 mph. The Continental had remained the choice for the wealthy elite, but this new Continental attracted a whole new, younger audience excited by the sleek modern shape that cleverly retained the essence of its heritage and class.

Why is the Bentley Continental such a great supercar?

Supercars by definition are the pinnacle of on-road performance. However, the Bentley Continental is exceptional, the perfect balance between luxury and performance. The Continental isn’t a weekend track car. For those looking for that type of thrill, the Ferrari 488 or Lamborghini Huracan will be the car of choice. For those wanting pure comfort and practicality, then they will look at hiring a Range Rover Vogue, or maybe even Bentley’s own Bentayga. However, those who want the luxury, but still need some serious bite, then the Continental is the only real option. Its racing DNA gives it something extra, and combine this with the pure opulence of the hand-crafted interior, it truly is a classic.

The amazing hand-crafted Bentley Continental cabin space.

The rear seats in the Bentley Continental comfortable seats 2 adults

Why Hire a Bentley Continental?

Many of our customers need to project a certain image. With the Bentley racing roots and understated class, we find the Continental often fits the bill. People want a supercar to be fun to drive and with a 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph, the Continental is just that. It has everything you need from a supercar. Handling is precise as the 4WD grips right through the corners, the brakes are phenomenal and the noise from the 6 litre W12 is thunderous. A supercar needs to look fantastic and the Continental with its sleek and strong lines is stunning. Drivers want pure comfort and as you can imagine, the inside of the Continental is gorgeous. The cabin has a quality feel that you only get from hand-crafted supercars. Our customers want comfort, especially in London where the traffic can sometimes be, let's say ‘challenging’. The Continental’s hand finished leather, voluminous seats are out of this world and will ensure you arrive fresh and relaxed.

And there is more. The sound system is thumping, everything is automated, it has a large tank so you travel huge distances before refuelling, decent boot space and remember, the Continental is a 4 seater, comfortably fitting 4 adults.

Convertible or Coupe?

Another reason why the Continental has been such a stalwart in our fleet over the years is the option of a coupe or convertible. A lot of cabriolet versions of supercars can look a little awkward, perhaps lacking some consideration. The Bentley Continental Cabriolet is different however. The sleek lines of the Continental lend itself to a topless model, hugely popular with customers hiring for a special occasion, such as a wedding or prom. The Coupe may feel a little bit more sporty for some, but the Cabriolet still offers the full supercar experience.

Contact us about Bentley Continental Hire

The Bentley Continental has evolved from its racing roots to become the epitome of luxury, sophistication and pure supercar performance. The Continental embraces its iconic stature and blends it with modern innovation to deliver excellence and a supercar experience you will never forget.