The 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed represents the ultimate marriage of handcrafted British luxury and relentless mechanical force. As the high-performance evolution of the standard Flying Spur, the “Speed” variant was engineered to provide a more focused driving experience without compromising its executive-class comfort. This example, finished in the rare and striking shade of Blue Crystal, offers a substantial wheelbase that is 12.6 inches longer than the Continental GT, ensuring unparalleled rear-cabin room. Now showing 57,000 miles and offered at no reserve, it remains a formidable statement of engineering and prestige.
Blue Crystal Presence and Aerodynamic Refinement
The visual character of this Bentley is defined by its sweeping silhouette and the lustrous Blue Crystal paintwork, accented by a bright chrome grille and bi-xenon headlights. As a Speed model, it sits lower than the standard sedan, riding on 20-inch multi-spoke alloy sports wheels mounted with Continental ExtremeContact tires. Functional luxury is integrated throughout the exterior, featuring soft-close doors, a power-closing trunk lid, and heated power-folding mirrors with position memory. While some parking sensors are missing and minor dings are present, the overall aesthetic remains one of understated power and timeless Jet Age sophistication.
Linen Diamond-Quilted Leather and Burl Walnut
Inside the cabin, the environment is a masterclass in traditional craftsmanship, featuring Linen diamond-quilted leather seats and extensive burl walnut wood veneers. Both the front and rear occupants enjoy heated and massaging seats, while four-zone automatic climate control allows for personalized temperature settings in every corner of the vehicle. Technological appointments include a 12-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, and touchscreen infotainment with navigation. Despite some signs of use like cracked veneer and a missing seat button, the interior maintains its high-end atmosphere, further complemented by drilled alloy pedals and a repaired leather headliner.
Twin-Turbocharged W12 Force and All-Wheel Control
At the heart of this sedan is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine, a masterpiece of packaging that provides effortless, locomotive-like acceleration. This powerplant was factory rated at 600 hp / 608 PS and 553 lb-ft / 750 Nm in a single sentence. Power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transaxle and a Torsen center differential, ensuring maximum traction in all weather conditions. The Speed-specific chassis features stiffer dampers, larger anti-roll bars, and a solid-mounted front subframe, allowing the driver to command this nearly three-ton vessel with surprising precision and stability at high speeds.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive (Torsen) |
| Curb Weight | 5,478 lbs / 2,485 kg (Factory Benchmark) |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.5 Seconds (Factory Benchmark) |
Executive Performance and Modern Collectibility
When it debuted, the Flying Spur Speed was one of the fastest four-door sedans in the world, competing directly with the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG and the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Today, it remains a compelling value for those seeking a flagship Bentley that offers more driver engagement than the standard Continental. Recent maintenance, including new rear air shocks and brake pads in 2023, along with ignition coils and spark plugs in 2021, helps address the complexities of this W12 platform. Its clean Carfax and the original $221,105 window sticker bolster its pedigree as a well-documented example of Crewe’s finest engineering.
A Flagship Experience Without Reserve
This 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is a rare find that combines a distinguished color palette with the raw capability of the W12 Speed engine. It represents the pinnacle of the first-generation Flying Spur design, offering a level of tactile luxury and mechanical depth that is increasingly rare in the modern digital era. While it shows honest signs of a life well-traveled, the core Bentley DNA of speed and silence remains fully intact. For the enthusiast seeking a high-performance executive saloon with a documented history and timeless style, this Blue Crystal Bentley stands as a premier candidate.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
