The 2003 Bentley Continental GT has a lineage that can be traced back to 1952 when Bentley made the first Bentley Continental, a series of cars designed for long-distance high-speed touring. Kind of what modern GT cars are today. However, this was as per Rolls Royce guidelines, as they were the first to use the Continental model name. When Bentley took it up, the cars that received the Continental name were lighter, faster, and more agile, designed for high performance, philosophies that all Bentley Continental GT variants today embody. Sharing a platform with the Volkswagen Phaeton, critics pointed out that the 2003 Bentley Continental GT was the most expensive Phaeton coupe at its debut, considering it had a $149,990 MSRP. But does it drive like a Volkswagen Phaeton?
Volkswagen's influence had been felt at Bentley even long before they took leadership in 2003, the same year the Bentley Continental GT was launched. Sure, it wasn't the German automaker's brainchild, as Rolls-Royce had already envisioned a cheaper and more mainstream car, but the Continental GT wouldn't have been a hit if it wasn't for Volkswagen. In addition to providing a platform on which the Continental GT was built, the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 also came from Volkswagen with 552 horsepower and 479 lb.ft of torque ready to charge the road. Sending power to all four wheels is a 6-speed flappy paddle gearbox, as early automotive journalists would call it. The result was a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds during production. The top speed is just under 200 mph at 198 mph, which is pretty impressive for a 6,172-pound car, let alone one made in 2003.
As good as the exterior design looked, it was the interior that won hearts over. The cabin is adorned with the finest materials and built with the most advanced comfort and convenience features Bentley could get their hands on in 2003. Despite the comfort and luxury, no detail was overlooked when pursuing an exceptional grand tourer driving experience. Like today's Continental GT, the rear seats aren't as accommodating, but again, the 2003 Bentley Continental GT wasn't designed for practicality. The only slightly older two-door Bentley with sufficient second-row seating is the Azure, which offers comfortable seating in the rear for two adults even with the front seats unmoved.
For any Bentley, aesthetics are as important as performance and the level of comfort and luxury in the cabin. The 2003 Bentley Continental delivers a sense of occasion from all angles with a design that blends imposing stature with graceful lines. The classic, almost retro radiator grille, and round headlights are instantly recognizable Bentley signatures. Chrome accents throughout the exterior add a touch of luxury and highlight the car's sculpted form. On the road, it feels calm and muscular and, despite its age, will still draw attention even at a gas station stop, which is where you'll find yourself a lot because that W12 is not easy on gas.
The 2003 Bentley Continental GT was built at a time when a grand touring car's focus was on the driving experience; thus, connoisseurs might find the lack of the newest gadgets slightly displeasing. Sure, all the essentials, such as electric windows and doors and multi-zone climate conditioning, are present, but they feel rather outdated compared to entry-level sports cars. The navigation system will most likely not provide the data you want, but how hard can it be to upgrade? Again, the essentials are all there in the driver assists and safety features suite. These include but are not limited to four-wheel ABS, driveline traction control, stability control and electronic brake distribution, tire pressure monitoring, and self-leveling headlights.
As time passes, depreciation makes cars like the 2003 Bentley Continental GT more accessible to buyers looking for luxury and performance at a lower price point. But this doesn't mean it's not worth buying because it's cheap. For just $30,000, you get a surprisingly well-equipped car with features that can compete with much newer models. Also, owning a Bentley, new or old, carries a certain feeling of prestige that anyone would love to be associated with. Sold on the 2003 Bentley Continental GT? Exotic Car Trader offers a curated selection of Bentley listings, among which you might find a Continental GT that complements your style.
The 2003 Bentley Continental GT might not be the most tech-rich car on the market today. But for those who value timeless design, excellent craftsmanship complemented by performance that still impresses years later, it remains an icon. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! It might not be the most practical car, but then again, practicality wasn't the goal. The 2003 Bentley Continental GT was designed for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, a sentiment that remains key in current models.
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