Bentley Continental GT

Bentley marked their separation from Rolls-Royce in 2003 with the launch of the fastest genuine 4-seater car in the world, the Continental GT. Featuring some of the automotive world’s most advanced technology, it could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds and go on to a maximum speed in excess of 190mph. These figures were achieved by the twin-turbocharged W12 6-litre powerplant, mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox and drive to all four wheels.
Virtually ‘mass produced’ compared to previous Bentley models, the Continental GT brought supercar performance to a much wider audience, attracting buyers of all ages. Boasting similar performance, but a lot more interior space, the Continental Flying Spur four-door saloon arrived in 2005, to be joined by a convertible version of the GT in 2006, the Continental GTC. More powerful ‘Speed’ and ‘Supersports’ versions joined the range and revisions in 2011 resulted in the ‘second generation’ models. From 2012, a V8 4-litre engine, again with twin turbochargers, was offered in the GT and GTC which provided similar performance to the W12 due to its lighter weight. Even though the range dates back to the early 21st century, it has the benefit of dateless styling, continuing to appear fresh and modern. Take a look at our Bentley Continental GT parts catalogue to find the parts you are looking for your GT, GTC or Flying Spur Bentley models. We are able to supply aftermarket, genuine, recycled and reconditioned Bentley Continental GT used parts and Flying Spur used parts for all variations.

The ‘third generation’ Bentley Continental GT arrived in 2018. Extensively restyled, but keeping the original attractive profile, the car acquired a ‘cleaner’ appearance with the front and rear of the car undergoing major revision. The interior also saw a major overhaul, marrying the best traditional materials with the very latest technology.
Overall, the structure of the car was now lighter, the W12 engine had been revised to improve efficiency and an 8-speed automatic gearbox was added. A year later, the V8 engine became available as did the restyled convertible GTC. Completing the line-up in 2019 was the redesigned Flying Spur saloon. This model had changed the most in appearance and was now built on a completely new platform. Initially offered with the W12 engine, the V8 option followed shortly afterwards.

Bentley Arnage & Rolls Royce Silver Seraph

The approach of the 21st century saw the long-running 'SZ' series of cars replaced by the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and the Bentley Arnage, both launched in 1998. While the styling was more curvaceous, echoing back to the flowing lines of the Silver Cloud era, the engines completely broke with tradition, being developed jointly with BMW, resulting in a 5.4 litre V12 for the Seraph and a twin-turbocharged 4.4 litre V8 for the Arnage. The smooth V12 engine was perfectly suited to the opulence of the Rolls-Royce but the high revving V8, although sporting in character, lacked the enormous wave of torque provided by the previous 6.75 litre turbocharged unit, resulting in the introduction of the Arnage 'Red Label', towards the end of 1999, featuring the original power plant.

The 4.4 litre option remained in production alongside for a short time, now badged 'Green Label'. The acquisition of the 'Rolls-Royce' brand name by BMW, at the end of 2002, resulted in the Silver Seraph having a short lifespan of just 4 years with only 1570 models produced. The Arnage range continued in production at Crewe, with ever more sporting models appearing including 'R', 'T' and 'Le Mans' versions. Facelifted in 2005, the traditional V8 gained twin turbocharging providing even more effortless power. The Brooklands coupe and 'new' Azure convertible were also offered together with the long wheelbase Arnage RL providing limousine levels of space and comfort. 

In 1998, Rolls-Royce Motors was put up for sale by its parent company, Vickers plc. It was widely predicted that BMW would be the purchaser, having already worked alongside the company developing and supplying internal combustion engines for both Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. However, their final offer of £340m was ultimately outbid by the Volkswagen group who offered £430m.

Having acquired the factory at Crewe and the rights to the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot and the shape of the radiator grille, it transpired that the Rolls-Royce brand name and ‘RR’ logo were in fact controlled by the aero engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce plc and not the car division, and were not included in the sale. Previous shared business ventures with BMW resulted in the aero engine company deciding to licence the name and logo to them, at a cost of £40m meaning that while BMW now had the rights to these iconic symbols, they did not have the right to reproduce the mascot and grille. Therefore, neither BMW nor Volkswagen were able to produce a true Rolls-Royce motor car.

Major negotiations followed during which BMW pointed out that they could withdraw their supply of engines with just twelve months’ notice, leaving insufficient time for VW to develop a replacement. VW subsequently claimed, however, that they only really wanted to acquire the Bentley marque because it was, at that time, outselling Rolls-Royce by around two to one.

The final result was that from 1998 to 2002, BMW would continue to supply engines and allow VW to use the Rolls-Royce name and logo. From January 1st 2003, however, BMW would build Roll-Royce cars at a new purpose-built production facility at Goodwood in Sussex and VW would continue to build Bentleys, and supply parts for all pre-2003 models, from the original factory in Crewe.

With many parts no longer available from Bentley, we have continued to ensure we offer a wide range of Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph parts and Bentley Arnage parts by continuing to invest in aftermarket and OEM alternatives.

Bentley re-introduced the name Mulsanne after an 18-year break to launch their flagship model in 2010. Produced alongside the Continental range, it was a low volume of hand-built luxury car showcasing true Bentley craftsmanship. Sporting performance was guaranteed from the traditional twin turbocharged V8 6.75 litre engine providing massive torque and phenomenal acceleration.
Very much a bespoke car, the list of options available was almost endless, each car tailored to the individual customer. Mulliner, Speed and an extended wheelbase version were also offered. Just over 7300 examples were built, with production ending in June 2020 with the ‘6.75 Edition’ final model of which just 30 were made. This car also marked the end of the production of Bentley’s 6.75 litre V8 engine after over 60 years.

Bentley entered the growing luxury ‘sport utility vehicle’ market in 2016 with the Bentayga. A huge vehicle, with immense road presence, it elevated off-road refinement to a whole new level retaining the legendary comfort and luxury, whatever terrain it faced. Initially offered with a revised version of the twin-turbocharged W12 6 litre engine, originally used in the Continental GT, it offered similar levels of performance with a 0 - 60mph time of 4 seconds and a maximum speed just short of 190mph. Figures that made it the world’s fastest production SUV at the time of launch. A V8 4 litre diesel engine, also twin-turbocharged, was offered in 2017 and a similarly equipped V8 4 litre petrol unit in 2018. An electrically controlled active anti-roll bar system helped to keep things stable both on and off the road. True to Bentley tradition, the Bentayga was lavishly trimmed and a huge and varied option list helped purchasers to personalise their car. Facelifted in 2020, the Bentayga was offered in just V8 petrol form from that point.