The primary of 24 Bentley Continental GT Le Mans Assortment fashions for Europe is hitting the continent’s roads for the primary time in Dusseldorf, Germany. The total assortment of 48 restricted version Continental GT and GTC automobiles are being handcrafted in England by Mulliner, Bentley’s private commissioning division, with simply 24 coupes destined for European prospects.

All GT Le Mans Assortment house owners will obtain a singular automobile cowl in addition to a particular picket presentation field, crafted in Piano Black and Verdant – the identical because the automobile itself. Inside, the field comprises the automobile key, in addition to an unique Velocity 8 sculpture and booklet, detailing how the sculpture was made. A plaque contained in the lid is signed by Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO, of Bentley Motors, and Ansar Ali, Mulliner and Motorsport Director, of Bentley Motors.

The field is complemented by a Velocity 8 e book, written by automotive skilled Andrew Cotton. Revealed by Sportfahrer, the fascinating hardback reveals the complete historical past of the Velocity 8 race automobile venture, from the primary idea to Bentley’s Le Mans success. With a complete chapter devoted to Shaun Lynn’s Velocity 8 automobile restoration, the e book incorporates a inexperienced cowl with a silver 2003 wreath, figuring out it as distinctive to the Le Mans Assortment.

The GT Le Mans Assortment marks the twentieth anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory on the world’s most iconic highway race, with the Bentley #7 Velocity 8 taking the chequered flag in 2003. This yr can also be the centenary of the primary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, when Bentley recorded the quickest lap.

Just like the coupe in Dusseldorf, every GT Le Mans Assortment automobile is delivered with distinctive options. The Bentley Rotating Show on the dashboard homes a valve from the engine of the 2003 Le Mans profitable #7 Velocity 8, whereas evocative exterior styling contains Verdant inexperienced paintwork and a Moonbeam racing stripe. A No. 7 emblem on the grille additionally celebrates the 2003 victory.

Different bespoke particulars vary from the six-wreath emblem inlaid into the high-gloss carbon fiber fascia, marking every of the six outright victories recorded by Bentley at Le Mans from 1924 to 2003, to the Bentley matrix grille, initially designed to guard the radiator on the unpaved Le Mans racetrack of the Nineteen Twenties. Inside, an expensive Le Mans Assortment cockpit is trimmed with Beluga cover, whereas the usual 12-hour analog clock is changed with a bespoke, 24-hour dial design.

Race-inspired efficiency comes from Bentley’s famend 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) and a rare 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. This ends in a prime velocity of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds).

Balazs Rooz, Regional Director of Bentley Europe, added: “Following the current static European debut of the GT Le Mans Assortment on the Le Mans Basic occasion, I’m delighted to see this restricted version now being delivered to our completely satisfied few prospects. The model has performed a key function in Europe’s motoring historical past and within the W12 run out part, it’s a good farewell and homage to the Velocity 8 #7 win in 2003, the identical yr when the W12 was launched to the world.”