Bentley had long traded on its history of large and powerful sporting machines, even though it sporting glory was rooted in the 1920s. Shortly after Vickers took over in 1980, Bentley launched the Mulsanne Turbo, which was seen far more desirable than its Rolls badged doppelganger. Bentley built on this reputation through into the 1990s with increasing rapid models, including the unique two door Continental coupe. Vickers but Rolls and Bentley up for sale in 1998, with BMW a front runner to win the sale because of its technical support and engine supply for the all new Rolls Silver Seraph and Bentley Arrange. However, VW swept into buy the two badges and the Crewe factory. It was clear, though, that Rolls Royce aero engines would only allow BMW to use the ‘Flying Lady’ trademark and Rolls name. So VW agreed to build Rolls Royce models until the trademark was handed over to BMW in January 2003, coinciding with the launch of the new Rolls Phantom. In the meantime, VW applied its engineering prowess to re-invent Bentley from the ground up. Its first new model was the powerful Continental GT 2+2 coupe, launched in 2003. The GT was based on a heavily modified platform borrowed from VW’s upmarket Phaeton saloon.
Much of the rest of the car under the unique skin was also derived from the Phaeton, including the basic suspension design, the four wheel drive system and the engine and transmission. The slick, imposing shape was styled under Belgian Dirk Van Braekel, who was also oversaw the magnificent interior, which still featured Bentley’s trademark ‘organ-stop’ air vents, perhaps the only part of the old company carried over. The Continental GT family expanded to include a cabrio and a four door saloon called the Flying Spur. All were notable sales successes.
