At its launch back in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT was truly revolutionary. The car marked a large departure from the Bentley cars of old, and can even be credited with creating a new market segment. At launch, the Continental GT car attracted a $150,000 list price, which was naturally out of reach for all but the most well-heeled. However, with the car fast approaching its 20th birthday, depreciation has taken its toll, and can now be picked up at a much more accessible price point.
However, just because it is now "cheap," does it still stack up as a good buy, or something best avoided? Many luxury cars of the past can now be picked up for a relative snip, but their expensive components, high labor costs, and unreliability can make them a proposition hard to justify. Here are 7 reasons why you should buy a first-gen Bentley Continental GT and 3 reasons you should avoid it.
10 Buy: Glorious V12 Engine
The first generation Bentley Continental GT came with just one engine option. Under the hood, the car housed a glorious 6.0 liter, twin-turbocharged W12. Producing a very generous 568 hp, the unit was the most powerful engine Bentley had ever put into one of its road cars.
As a result of all that power, the Continental was able to propel itself from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, before continuing on to a 198 mph top speed. As far as we are concerned, any car kitted out with a V12 deserves a certain level of respect and admiration.
9 Buy: The Car Has Grown Old Gracefully
One of the great things about picking up an early Continental GT as a used buy is that the original design has remained relatively unchanged, even to this day. At launch, the bold design didn't appeal to everyone, with many feeling it was too much of a departure from Bentley's previous design language.
However, the car has aged very well, and even those who were initially skeptical have now come to appreciate the car's design.
8 Buy: There Are A Choice Of Bodystyles
Most gearheads associate the Continental GT with a muscular coupe design, especially as this was how the car was launched. However, there were eventually several body styles for buyers to choose from. In 2005, the brand unveiled the Continental Flying Spur, which was essentially a limo, and came equipped with rear doors. The Spur was the sort of car you would rather relax in the back than sit behind the wheel.
2006 saw the launch of another configuration, the convertible GTC. Visually, the GTC was much more closely aligned to the coupe than the Spur, being almost identical in proportion, but fitted out with a fabric roof. While slower than the coupe, the GTC with its 189.5 mph top speed, was certainly no slouch, and few convertibles can present a challenge.
7 Buy: Exceptionally Well Finished Interior
Very high-quality, hand-stitched leather is found throughout the cabin, helping create not only a lovely place to spend time but also providing a distinctive and pleasant odor. Most of the dials and switchgear are covered with a premium-feeling knurled chrome finish, making even simple function adjustments a delightful experience.
The dashboard even includes an integrated "Breitling" clock, demonstrating the Continental's extreme levels of luxury and exclusivity.
6 Buy: It Will Impress
There is no denying, the Bentley badge comes associated with some serious kudos. Even non-gearheads are familiar with the prestige and exclusivity of Bentley vehicles. Many rightly associate Bentley with the ultimate in luxury and know the high levels of craftsmanship don't come cheap.
The beauty of buying a first-generation Continental is that to the uninitiated, these early cars are virtually indistinguishable from the current iteration. For those buyers looking to create an illusion of wealth, few cars can provide as much bang for the buck, especially when fitted out with a private registration plate.
5 Buy: Very Well Equipped
Considering the car's age, the infotainment provision is very impressive. While it cannot stand up to modern systems, all the basics can still easily be used, and you will have no issue navigating the menus. However, the satellite navigation system will be running on outdated maps, but the audio system should work just fine.
Looking at the exterior, the trunk featured a cool touch-sensitive Bentley logo, which enabled access to the compartment. Even the glass was designed to help prevent damaging UV rays from fading the sumptuous interior.
4 Buy: Potential Future Classic
Perhaps one of the best reasons to invest in an early Continental GT, is the fact it could be worth significantly more in the future. The car represented a shift change in the Bentley brand, being the first car they had mass-produced, the first with a V12, and the fastest accelerating.
According to Hagerty valuations, a 2004 Continental GT in good condition can currently be picked up for $26,500. At this price, buyers are getting a hell of a lot of car for the money. The car is great to drive today, and should it appreciate, would make a very prudent investment.
3 Avoid: Servicing And Maintenance Can Be Crippling
On the whole, the Bentley Continental GT is a fairly solid proposition. The car utilizes many Volkswagen-derived components, and Bentley is renowned for its high levels of build quality. However, being a luxury car from a prestige marque, means even routine servicing has never come cheap.
As with most vehicles, it makes sense to source a car with a full and complete service record, to help minimize issues. Given that these early cars are now just under 20 years old, components are likely to fail. While sourcing replacement parts should be fairly straightforward, add in the labor costs, and you could be in line for a hefty bill.
2 Avoid: The Suspension Can Be Problematic
In order to produce exceptional ride quality, Bentley fitted the Continental with a clever air suspension system. Powered by an electrical pump, the air suspension cushions occupants from the lumps and bumps found all too often on modern roads.
Repairs can be costly, and while it is hard to predict if or when a failure is likely to occur, buyers should inspect the vehicle carefully before purchase. The main thing to look for is a knocking noise, although, sagging on one side or end of the vehicle can be another tell-tale sign of a problem.
1 Avoid: Electrical Gremlins
In common with many vehicles produced in the early 00s, the Continental GT is prone to its fair share of electrical issues. From sensor failures, and their associated dashboard warning lights, to exterior lighting issues, costs can soon mount up.
The rear lights can be problematic and are prone to failure. Thankfully, replacement is fairly straightforward with a straight swap for a new unit. Electric window failure is another common fault on these cars, but again shouldn't prove too difficult to rectify.
Sources: Bentley Media, Hagerty