Talk about going overboard with special limited edition models, but then again, unlike your run-of-the-mill mainstream carmakers, when Bentley says “limited edition”, it really means it, as the Crew-based company plans to build only 48 examples of each of the six ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ cars it announced today.
To be precise, the number of cars comes out to 18, as each of the six ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ packages that are inspired by a driver from Bentley’s six victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours race from 1924 through 1930, are available on the Continental GT coupe and convertible, and the Mulsanne flagship limousine.
Each model features a series of bespoke styling cues, including a 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 (see list below for details).
In addition, the 505bhp Mulsanne-based cars will get diamond-quilted hide seat covering, diamond-quilted hide door panels, illuminated treadplates, drilled alloy foot pedals, sports tuned suspension and steering, ‘Quad’ Effect Tailpipe Finishers, and two-piece five spoke dark tint alloy wheels.
“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 of Bentley Motors. “The Le Mans Limited Edition models showcase our performance and handcrafted luxury through these unique, heritage inspired specifications.”
Bentley said the Continental GT Le Mans Edition cars will go on sale in the second quarter of 2013, while the Mulsanne Le Mans Edition will be available beginning in the third quarter of the year.
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 Aluminium
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 colour of the victorious Bentley Speed 8 in 2003
Interior: Two-tone Linen and Cumbrian Green
Stitching: Contrast
Veneer: Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Bright Aluminium
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 Aluminium 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 Aluminium
Le Mans Edition Specifications (cont.)
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 Aluminium
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 Aluminium
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