Bentley’s annual showcase at Monterey Car Week 2024 highlighted the marque’s diverse range with a trio of remarkable debuts and restorations that celebrate both modern luxury and classic heritage.
Continental GT Speed Makes U.S. Debut
The 2025 Continental GT Speed made its U.S. debut, leading a fleet of over 30 pre-production models. Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, presented a personalized example of this new fourth-generation luxury grand tourer, offering journalists and customers their first chance to experience the GT Speed on the road globally. This model marks a significant advancement in Bentley’s grand tourer lineup, combining refined luxury with cutting-edge performance.
1961 S2 Drophead Coupe: A Concours Highlight
In a historic move, Bentley showcased the 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe, restored to concours condition and entered into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for the first time by the marque itself. This rare model, one of only 15 built by Mulliner in the 1960s, has undergone a meticulous two-year restoration process. Registration UFF 366, initially delivered in Regal Red and later converted to left-hand drive with a dark blue repaint, has been returned to its former glory with a new Ming Blue finish and original gold fine line details. This restoration is part of Bentley’s ongoing rejuvenation of its Heritage Collection.
Continental GT Speed Convertible
Alongside the GT Speed, Bentley also introduced the new Continental GT Speed Convertible in the U.S. for the first time. This model carries forward the legacy of Bentley’s V8 engines, echoing the introduction of the 6.23-litre V8 in the S2, which replaced the S1’s straight-six engine. The new Continental GT Speed features Bentley’s latest Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, combining an advanced V8 engine with an electric motor to enhance both performance and efficiency.
Speed Six Continuation Series
Mulliner’s Classic division unveiled the Speed Six Continuation Series, a modern recreation of the 1930 Le Mans-winning Speed Six. The “Car Zero” example, crafted to original specifications, has been driven extensively during its development to ensure authenticity. This new series will produce 12 hand-built cars, each a tribute to the original Speed Six’s engineering and design excellence.
Event Highlights and Engagements
Bentley’s presence at Monterey Car Week was marked by a series of high-profile events. Nearly 90 Bentleys were displayed, and more than 3,000 customers and friends were hosted across various gatherings. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering saw the official U.S. debut of the Continental GT Speed and the introduction of the Bentayga S Black Edition, finished in satin silver with orange accents. The Beach Dinner, held in partnership with The Macallan, featured a significant announcement about the Bentley Environmental Foundation’s support for a U.S. kelp forest restoration initiative in collaboration with SeaTrees.
The week’s activities included Bentley’s Signature Party, where several hundred VIPs joined for an evening of celebration. At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Bentley executives served as Honorary Judges, showcasing the 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe and presenting the new Continental GTC Speed on the Concept Lawn. Mulliner designers also conducted specification sessions, allowing clients to envision their future Bentleys.
The Heritage of the S2 Drophead Coupe
The Bentley S2 Drophead Coupe, a successor to the S-Type, was introduced in 1959 as one of the most luxurious and innovative saloons of its time. The rarest variant, the Drophead Coupe, exemplified Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship and luxury. UFF 366, acquired from a French owner in 2022, underwent a comprehensive restoration to return it to concours condition. The restoration included extensive work on the body, engine, and interior, ensuring that every detail met Bentley’s exacting standards.
Source: Bentley
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