Celebrating the six victories at Le Mans.
Bentley Motors, Inc. yesterday announced six new Le Mans Limited Edition specifications available on the flagship Mulsanne and the Continental family, exclusively available in North America. Each model is inspired by a driver from Bentley’s six victories at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race. The original Bentley Boy, John Duff gave Bentley its first win at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1924. After a fourth place finish in 1923, Duff returned to Le Mans the following year with Bentley co-driver Jack Clement. The pair raced to a first place finish, defeating many of the leading sports cars of the day.
To celebrate these significant milestones, 48 examples of each ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ model are being produced. Each car will have a unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, Le Mans Edition clock face, embroidered Le Mans badge to each headrest; tread plates with the limited edition name, unique Le Mans Edition wheels and specific interior veneers and exterior colors.
“We’re very proud of our motorsports heritage and we’re excited to celebrate our historic wins at Le Mans 24 Hours,” said Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc. “The Le Mans Limited Edition models showcase our performance and handcrafted luxury through these unique, heritage inspired specifications.”
Continental GT models will be available in the second quarter of 2013 with Mulsanne Le Mans Edition models available beginning in the third quarter.
The Le Mans Edition Mulsanne specifications are a perfect blend of sportsmanship and heritage matched to the highest standards of technology and craftsmanship. The limited edition specifications will feature, among other items, diamond-quilted hide seat covering, diamond-quilted hide door panels, Le Mans Edition illuminated treadplates, drilled alloy foot pedals, sports tuned suspension and steering, ‘Quad’ Effect Tailpipe Finishers, and two-piece five spoke dark tint alloy wheels.
The 4-seat Continental GT coupe and convertible capture the GT spirit with the highest standards of design, engineering, luxury, performance, and everyday practicality. The 4.0-litre, twin turbo V8 achieves exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector. The instantly recognizable growl of the V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stable mates. The iconic GT Speed is powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 and in this version produces 616 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque available from 2000 rpm for instantly accessible high performance.
Not only is this a commemoration for Bentley, it is also a very timely celebration. The 24 Hour Race at Le Mans celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year. Bentley has seen itself become a grand part of that history.
Bentley Le Mans Edition Specifications
John Duff:
The original Bentley Boy, John Duff gave Bentley its first win at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1924. After a fourth place finish in 1923, Duff returned to Le Mans the following year with Bentley co-driver Jack Clement. The pair raced to a first place finish, defeating many of the leading sports cars of the day.
Exterior: Moonbeam
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Beluga
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Piano Black and Bright Aluminum
Dudley Benjafield:
Competing for the sheer pleasure of driving and the thrill of the race, “Benjy”, drove at numerous events and took 1st place at Le Mans in 1927.
Exterior: Verdant – the same color of the victorious Bentley Speed 8 in 2003
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Cumbrian Green
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Bright Aluminum
Woolf Barnato:
Considered “the best driver we ever had” by W.O. Bentley, Barnato remains the only driver to have won on each occasion of entering the race recording wins at Le Mans in 1928, 1929 and 1930.
Exterior: Granite
Interior: Hotspur
Stitching: Beluga
Veneer: Carbon Fiber in Continental series
Dark Stain Burr Walnut with Dark Aluminum in Mulsanne
Tim Birkin:
A formidable personality, Birkin, an ex-fighter pilot was renowned for his willingness to be utterly ruthless with his car to achieve a winning result.
Exterior: Glacier White
Interior: Beluga
Stitching: White
Veneer: Piano Black and Bright Aluminum
Glen Kidston:
Kidston claimed 1st place at Le Mans in 1930 and is known for being an adventurer; rough, tough, sharp and fearless.
Exterior: Dark Sapphire
Interior: Two-tone Newmarket Tan and Imperial Blue
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Aluminum
Continental GT Convertible models are finished with a Blue hued exterior roof.
Guy Smith:
A central figure for Team Bentley’s attack on both the Sebring 12-Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours, Guy Smith secured his place in racing legend at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours. Smith was selected to pilot the Bentley Speed 8 across the finish line to mark an emotional sixth win for Bentley.
Exterior: Beluga
Interior: Beluga
Stitching: Hotspur
Veneer: Piano Black and Dark Aluminum
Bentley Le Mans Edition Gallery
[Source: Bentley]
Which Bentley Le Mans Edition would you pick?
