Bentley has created a unique, Limited Edition model that pays homage to the legendary 1929 No.1 Bentley Blower.
Continental GT Convertible Number 1 Edition by Mulliner is a modern interpretation of the iconic race car, with 18 carat, gold-plated fender badges and a remarkable piece of history built right into innovative Bentley Rotating Display.
Just 100 examples.of the car will be offered.
The new Number 1 Edition has been inspired by the original No. 1 Blower, which set the Outer Circuit record at the Brooklands racetrack, Surrey, in 1932.
Driven by Bentley Boy Tim Birkin, the 4.5-litre car averaged 220km/h – a record that stood for a further two years and that has become a symbol of Bentley’s racing heritage.
It was born through a combination of Birkin’s skillset and the financial backing of wealthy horse racing enthusiast, Dorothy Paget.
When Bentley stopped backing Birkin’s project, Paget saw the potential of the car and stepped in to help.
Birkin’s modified Bentley used a supercharger to increase the pressure of air to the engine, creating more power.
Described as ‘blowing’ air into the engine, it resulted in the Birkin car being referred to as the Bentley Blower.
The Limited Edition is equipped with a Centenary Pack, Bentley Black Line Specification and Carbon Body Kit, rounded off by the painted Number 1 front grille.
And, just like the original, provides exhilarating and agile performance, powered by an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 467 kW 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine.
The Number 1 Edition is the final car in Bentley’s Centenary trilogy.
Like the Mulsanne W.O. Edition and the Continental GT Number 9 Edition, it incorporates a unique piece of Bentley history.
Within the innovative Bentley Rotating Display, a small wheel spinner, reminiscent of wheel spinners found on the No.1 and other historic Bentleys, has been set in resin.
Seamlessly merging the best of design both present and past, each wheel spinner has been cast from a piston from the No.1, taken during restoration work.
The exquisitely designed, third generation Continental GT Convertible has been further enhanced with distinctive elements inspired by the original No.1.
As well as the Bentley Black Line Specification and Carbon Body Kit, the Limited Edition is offered in Dragon Red II or Beluga exterior paint, with a Claret or Beluga folding hood.
It also features the Bentley Centenary Specification Pack, which includes Centenary badges to the rear and on the wheel centres, Centenary LED welcome lamps, Centenary badging on the gear lever and steering wheel, and a Centenary badge on the key-fob.
A painted Number 1 front grille is complemented by an 18 carat gold plated fender badge, jewelled filler and oil caps, and 22-inch MDS wheels in either Cricket Ball or Gloss Black finish.
Inside, a new colour split of either Cricket Ball or Beluga main hide is complemented by Heritage hide on the seats and door pads, with a debossed B insignia on the headrests and door inserts.
The Grand Black wood veneer is enhanced by 18 carat gold plated organ stops and an Alcantara steering wheel and gear lever.
Passengers are welcomed by a Number 1 treadplate insert as they step into a luxurious cabin.
As well as a British Jaeger clock featuring a Number 1 face, the uniquely crafted dashboard also incorporates Engine Spin on the centre console.
Often referred to as ‘Turned Aluminium’, Engine Spin was a popular racing car and aviation finish in the 1920s and ‘30s as it limited light reflection.
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