2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed Review
October 29, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
Tower Lodge up ahead, but you would never know it. Very low key, with just a small sign on a simple rendered stone entrance.
I’ve spotted a Maserati Quattroporte, a few Audi’s and a brand new Mercedes-Benz S Class AMG in the parking area, but it’s the Bentley that commands all the attention.
There aren’t any parking spots remaining that I’m comfortable with, so the manager instructs me to leave the Speed at the entrance to this establishment. I’m happy to oblige.
Bentley privileges have already begun and I could seriously get used to this kind of treatment.
There are only 12 rooms on site, and each is larger than your average two-bedroom unit, and infinitely more decadent.
Unfortunately for me, sunset is looming and with just one night in the budget, pre dinner drinks take a back seat to a photography session.
Again the Bentley is shown the royal treatment, as I am directed onto the well-manicured lawns for a few choice photos.
It’s getting late, but the manager says that if we (did I hear “we”?) hurry, there’s a nice drive to the small town of Broke, some 20 minutes down the road. I wouldn’t mind some company, and given that he drives a silver Volkswagen Golf R32, I see no reason to leave him behind.
He also tells me he’s an enthusiast and has some track time overseas, so I feel like I can get serious with the Bentley. Within a few seconds, the Speed is doing what it was bred to do, go fast. Idle chatter has ceased as I quick-shift using the rather ordinary plastic paddles.
He is fairly certain we’re going to be back at Tower Lodge earlier than expected and in plenty of time for a superb treat at its well-known restaurant, Roberts, a short drive away but on the same property.
I love this car but I have to say that if I was getting one, I would get the standard one because I have driven the speed and its hardly convincing as a super car and the standard is already a fantastic GT. I do love those wheels though…
Awesome review! Much better than Rolls any day!
Awesome car, but for $400k+ that gear lever surrounding look so cheap just like your $20k VW.
Now lets not go crazy Zahmad, It’s a fantastic car but have you driven the Rolls Royce coupe? Or Phantom? Or DHC? Im afraid Bentley havn’t quite gotten to Rolls Royce standards yet.
gorgeous interior. Fantastic pictures guys!
Not bad I guess. Would I have one? No cos nearly every premiership footballer has one. Its a bit Chavs-ville here i’m afraid. Sorry Bentley!!
TC ! Are there any 20k VW? I have never seen one
makes me salivate….they seem a lot smaller in the flesh than they look in the pics, but I’ve never driven in one. I suppose that if you can afford one, you could also afford to hire someone to clean the brake dust out of those gorgeous wheels
Hmmm, this or the Aston Martin DBS?
I’m leaning towards the Aston
Very nice pics.
Bentley Continental has more gadgets but still luxurious, but Rolls Royce like to keep it simple and luxurious. So it’s up to you to decide what makes you smile more.
Personally, I would go for the Rolls Drop Head. By the time I can afford one, I’ll be too old for all the buttons and settings to worry about.
4 valves per cylinder and overhead camshafts in 1926. The Chevrolet/Holden V8 can’t manage that 82 years later.
beautiful…
i think that’s all i need to say? haha.
GTC Speed for me please!
i’d still take on of these though, really stunning.
i think this, and the DB9 have to me in my top3.
Beautiful vehicle… beautiful interior…
But for that price I would want close to perfection – unfortunately there are a few cheap touches.
Nice review, took a while to read but worth it in the end. So, who’s the lucky bloke who got to drive it? I’m envious!
How much would a DB9 set you back?
I’d still prefer one of those to this, but its definitely an astonishing car. I just can’t imagine how it can be nimble to drive with that much weight.
Pure decadence. I love the front 3/4 view. I guess if you can afford one of these its purely a question of personal preference. Why not have an Aston and a Bentley?!
Story and photographs really captured the glory of this car. Well done!
As a parent of a toddler, I would be concerned about whether the rear will accommodate a baby capsule and the impact of food and other toddler ’stuff’ on the leather.
I was just wondering if this car available in Brisbane, Queensland? I have been looking in Bentley Brisbane, but there is no information about the car
you could always have a look at http://www.bentleymotors.com for information. The dealer in Brisbane would definately have information and cars to look at.