Bentley is celebrating its centenary this year and as part of the celebrations, the Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner is looking forward to join the garages of 100 car collectors around the world.
The Number 9 Edition pays homage to Sir Henry Ralph Stanley “Tim” Birkin – one of the original, ‘Bentley Boys’ of the 1920s and ‘30s. Birkin was a Bentley customer, investor and a racing driver, and he commissioned the Blower Bentley – a variant of the Bentley 4½ Litre with a supercharger mounted in front of the grille.
He raced his No.9 Blower at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours. Adding a supercharger increased the power from 110 bhp to 175 bhp, apparently. The green car has since become the iconic racing Bentley of the pre-war years.
Buyers of the Continental GT Number 9 Edition will have the option of either Viridian Green or Beluga Black exterior paint, with 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels also in these colours, plus Black Line Specification and carbon bodykit. The car is further distinguished by No.9 badgework and a bold, front grille graphic.
Inside, the Number 9 Edition gets a piece of Birkin’s car, literally. A wood insert from the seat of the aforementioned 1930 Le Mans race car, is housed in the middle of the centre dial of the rotating display.
Each of the 100 cars also features 18K gold plated organ stops inspired by those in the No.9 Blower. As we can see, the centre console features Engine Spin pattern. Often known as ‘Turned Aluminium’, the Engine Spin was a popular racing car and aviation finish in the 1920s and ‘30s as it limited light reflection.
The centre console of the vehicle is further enhanced with an exclusive British Jaeger clock face, developed through a partnership between Mulliner and British Jaeger. The clock is inspired by the original No. 9 Blower’s dials and apparently uses the same traditional manufacturing methods of race car dials from the vintage era.
The Bentley wings and Bentley ‘B’ on both the steering wheel and gear shifter are adorned with Centenary Gold, as is the ‘B’ on the key.
As for the materials, customers have the choice of Cumbrian Green or Beluga heritage hides, with increased gloss levels to the seats, inner door panel and other areas. Debossed ‘B’ logos adorn the seat headrests and door panels as they did on the door pads of the 1930 Blower.
On opening the door, a welcome light illuminates the ground with a Bentley symbol, while treadplates highlight the key years.
Rest of the things come from the regular Continental GT, including the 6.0L W12 TSI motor and the same numbers.
Also Read: Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition will have a slice of W.O.’s personal car
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