Bentley Motors unveiled a unique one-off Continental GT S at the Shanghai Auto Show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT. In addition, they are launching a global campaign to commemorate this milestone.

The revealed Continental GT S one-off edition was created through the bespoke division, Mulliner, inspired by the 20 years of the Continental GT, the symbol of Bentley in the 21st century. It features an aggressive matte magnetic dark gray metallic color, equipped with 22-inch black chrome 10-spoke sport wheels and red calipers.

The black-red color theme continues into the cabin. The interior, finished in the finest beluga leather and hotspur leather, is harmonized with elegant piano black trim.

The exquisite color combination selected by Mulliner’s artisans continues onto the center fascia and door waist rail, center console, and tread plates.

At the top of the dashboard, a stone veneer made from granite is applied, while the piano black lower veneer is laser-engraved with graphics symbolizing the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT. A red stripe crosses the dashboard and door trim, seamlessly connecting to the circular air vents, accentuating the design’s points.

The graphics engraved on the center console and dashboard depict the silhouettes of the first and current third-generation models of the Continental GT, showcasing the evolution of this modern Bentley icon. Even the LED welcome lamps attached to the doors feature a unique design commemorating the 20th anniversary of the great grand tourer.

The Continental GT made its debut in 2003 as Bentley’s first model, ushering in a new era for the brand.

It was the first Bentley to feature an electronic four-wheel-drive system and the innovative W12 engine, becoming the world’s fastest four-seat coupe at launch, exceeding speeds of 300 km/h.

The Continental GT has been recognized for its unique dignified design, supercar-like performance, and unparalleled craftsmanship, paving the way for the luxury grand tourer segment. It has also laid the foundation for the extraordinary growth achieved by Bentley today.

Over the past 20 years, the Continental GT has received countless awards and accolades, including being named the 2022-2023 Car of the Year by Robb Report for two consecutive years and the 2022-2023 Imported Luxury Car of the Year by the German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport, proving its distinctive value and completeness across the globe.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT, Bentley Motors will install drive hubs in Crewe, UK, and Geneva, Switzerland, and conduct a global campaign where the first and second generation Continental GTs from the Bentley Heritage Collection can be viewed and test-driven. Additionally, a ‘baton’ crafted by Bentley will travel through Europe, the Middle East, China, Asia-Pacific, and the United States to collect memories of the 20th anniversary before returning to the headquarters in Crewe, UK, to be preserved as a time capsule.

Meanwhile, Bentley Motors Korea will introduce the S, Azure, and Mulliner models to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT, alongside releasing a styling specification carbon body kit to enhance the beautiful design, engaging in various activities domestically.

As the first ‘Bentley Mulliner Korean Edition’ project, a Continental GT Korean Edition will be produced in collaboration with artist Ha Tae-im, aiming to introduce the unique appeal of the Continental GT to Korean clients with a high artistic sensibility.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr