The year is 2005; Bentley unveils the Continental Flying Spur at the 75th Geneva Motor Show. Though viewed as the first modern continental sedan, it echoed the early continental models produced from 1952 to 1965, which were also sedans. These were engineered for high-speed distanced travel with a focus on lavishing passengers with luxury and comfort, so basically, grand touring sedans. The Continental Flying Spur was realized due to Volkswagen's goal to revitalize Bentley's lineup since only the Continental GT was seen as the only modern Bentley. Speaking of the Continental GT, it served as the foundation for the Flying Spur, influencing not only its design but also its core engineering and technological aspects. Hence the "Continental" name in the Flying Spur's identity. But does the Continental Flying Spur drive like a Continental GT?
Unlike its bigger brother, the Mulsanne, which had been teased the same year, Bentley and Volkswagen's powerplant of choice for the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur was the 6.0-liter W12 also used in the Continental GT. It made 552 horsepower less torque during production than the torque brute 6.75-liter V8 in the Mulsanne at 479 lb.ft. This power might have waned over time, but the 2009 Continental Flying Spur is still capable of impressive performance. There's a chance that its performance figures might match Bentley's claims when new: a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of just shy of 200 mph, quite impressive for a car made in 2009, let alone one that weighs nearly 5,500 pounds.
Sure, it doesn't look as modern as newer Continental variants, but the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur's cabin still feels refined despite the car's age. The leather stretching from front to back, complemented by wood layering on the dash, center console, and doors, is enough to convince you to buy one, especially if well-kept and polished. Expect minimal wear, and the infotainment display might not satisfy your entertainment needs, but these are minor details that shouldn't deter the cabin's elegance. Want to be chauffeured around once in a while? The second row is comfortable enough for chauffeured comfort and has multi-level heating and ventilation, just like the front seats. However, the front seats' electric adjustability, powered headrests, and wheel experience are undeniably tempting.
On the surface, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur shows its age more than the interior, considering Bentley is currently producing the third generation of production. However, it's a Bentley through and through, and it pretty much looks the part with a muscular stance and design cues synonymous with Bentley cars. The chrome bezels surrounding the headlights, grille, and windows add a sparkle to the exterior, which seems rather too cloudy, especially with dull paint.
Sure, the infotainment system might be a touch dated, but the sound system itself is anything but. Twelve speakers inside the cabin are more than you'll ever need, and a multi-CD changer in the glove compartment ensures you can always listen to your favorite tunes from when CDs were a thing. From tire pressure monitoring, ABS, and electronic brake distribution to adaptive cruise control and stability control, the 2009 Bentley Continental GT car has an array of safety and driver assist features. Convenience features are plentiful and surpass the usual powered windows and doors. You also get keyless ignition, front and rear parking sensors, second-row air conditioning, and front and rear reading lights, to mention a few.
If your budget allows for a stipend between $30,000 and $50,000, few options rival a 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. But that's only if you appreciate the Bentley aesthetic that it presents well despite its age, making it a cheaper alternative to Bentley ownership. Sure, there are cheaper options and not necessarily Bentleys if affordable luxury is your only requirement, but as you consider those, remember that Exotic Car Trader's Bentley listings only feature the finest, each listing carefully selected for our potential buyers.
Despite its age, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur offers competitive performance, comfort, and prestige in equal measure. Its only downside is the limited gadgetry, but if you value luxury and comfort above that and you don't have a wide budget stretch, it should make you more than content. 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! Externally, it might show hints of its age, but the 2009 Continental Flying Spur is still a Bentley. With its muscular design, it's guaranteed to steal a glance or two if presence holds significance for you.
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