Crewe, 21 August 2024 – Bentley’s presence at Monterey Car Week this year was nothing short of spectacular, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s storied history. The event saw the unveiling of three extraordinary milestones, each reflecting Bentley’s commitment to blending heritage with cutting-edge innovation.
Continental GT Speed: A New Era of Performance
The highlight of Bentley’s showcase was undoubtedly the US debut of the new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed. This masterpiece of automotive engineering, created by Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division, set the stage for a fleet of over 30 pre-production models. The event provided an exclusive opportunity for journalists and select customers to experience the GT Speed’s exhilarating performance on the road, marking the first time this model had been driven publicly anywhere in the world.
The GT Speed family, featuring Bentley’s Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, represents the latest chapter in the marque’s V8 lineage, tracing its roots back to the iconic S2 of the 1960s. With a seamless blend of a new V8 engine and an electric motor, this vehicle heralds the future of high-performance luxury driving.
The S2 Drophead Coupe: A Timeless Classic Reborn
Yet, it wasn’t just modern marvels that captured the attention of enthusiasts. Bentley made history by entering its meticulously restored 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the first time the marque itself has entered a vehicle into this prestigious event. This particular S2, one of only 15 ever crafted by Mulliner, underwent a painstaking two-year restoration process that returned it to its former glory.
Originally delivered in 1961, the S2 Drophead Coupe, bearing the registration UFF 366, has been a significant part of Bentley’s Heritage Collection. Acquired in 2022 from a French owner, the car was in dire need of restoration. Bentley’s partnership with P&A Wood ensured that the car was not only restored but elevated to Concours condition. Every detail, from the Ming Blue paintwork to the Connolly Vaumol leather interior, was meticulously crafted to reflect the car’s original elegance.
The S2 Drophead Coupe is more than just a beautiful vehicle; it is a bridge between past and present. Its design cues, such as the return to large headlamps, echo in the new Continental GT Speed Convertible, which also made its US debut at Monterey.
Speed Six Continuation Series: Reviving a Legend
Adding to the excitement was the on-road debut of the Speed Six Continuation Series. This project from Mulliner’s Classic division is a true labor of love, recreating the legendary Speed Six that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930. The new Speed Six ‘Car Zero’ is an exact continuation of its predecessor, built using original drawings, materials, and techniques. This engineering marvel has already clocked several thousand miles in development, offering an authentic driving experience for the select few who have ordered one of the 12 examples to be produced.
A Week to Remember
Bentley’s involvement at Monterey Car Week extended beyond vehicle debuts. The brand hosted nearly 90 Bentleys and over 3,000 guests across various events. At The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Continental GT Speed was officially introduced to the US market alongside a striking Bentayga S Black Edition. The event culminated in Bentley’s iconic Beach Dinner at Seal Rock, where the Bentley Environmental Foundation announced a new initiative to restore CO2-absorbing kelp forests in partnership with SeaTrees.
The week’s festivities concluded with the Bentley Signature Party and a presence at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where the S2 Drophead Coupe took center stage, a symbol of Bentley’s enduring legacy and its relentless pursuit of perfection.
