Volkswagen taking over Bentley in 2003 saw a major revitalization in the British automaker's offerings, and soon after that, it would be ranked as the world's fastest-growing car manufacturer. After the Continental GT's debut in 2003, there was a need to cater to a wider clientele; hence, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur was born, still based on the Volkswagen Phaeton platform used in the Continental GT. This resulted in a car that would have been considered a limo in 2005, but underneath, it had the spirit of a grand tourer inheriting the twin-turbocharged W12 from the Continental GT. Outside, it blended influences, inheriting the Continental GT's contemporary design cues while retaining Bentley's instantly recognizable classic aesthetic. Inside, Bentley adorned the cabin with a mixture of wood and leather, a tradition that continues to this day.
Bentley still had their six and three-quarter V8 in production when they unveiled the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. It would have arguably been a better fit, considering its torque would have handled the car's weight better, but again, it was nearly half a century old. The 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur carried over the smooth and refined Volkswagen W12 from previous model years but with a similar power rating at 552 horsepower and 479 lb.ft. During production, that was enough to send the approximately 5,500-pound sedan to 60 mph from a standstill in around 5 seconds to a top speed of just over 190 mph. Are these figures achievable today? Find out right after we tell you the cost of driving one home.
As expected, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur's interior is generously sized, but four occupants will fit comfortably better than the advertised five. The attention to detail is visible from every seat, and now and then, you'll get the urge to run your fingers through the diamond stitching on the seats. Well, unless the car has had a rough history, it's unlikely that Bentley owners will keep their cars in rough shape. Up front, you get a busy dash with a mix of analog elements and modernized classic design cues accentuated by chrome layering to add a touch of shine. For those long trips, the trunk is spacious enough and is well-clad so as not to scuff your precious baggage.
Though not as expansive as the Bentley Mulsanne, the 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur sure does have an imposing look that not only gives it authority on the road but also makes it quite appealing. Sharing its appeal with the Continental GT gives it a grand tourer aesthetic that hints at its performance capabilities. But is it meant to be driven like a grand tourer? We don't think so. Bentley opted for a more modern aesthetic, minimizing chrome accents. Shine is reserved for the door handles, window surrounds, headlight enclosures, Grille surround and matrix mesh, allowing the car's sculpted form to take center stage.
That peculiar yet gratifying sensation you experience when stepping into a vehicle devoid of the latest technology is irrefutable. The 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur has a similar ambiance, as its cabin is purely sensory indulgence. In most cases, the only screen available is an 8.0-inch infotainment display, which falls short in functionality by today's standards. Other suites don't offer as many amenities, though every aspect is thoroughly addressed. You'll find everything you need for daily city commutes and long trips, including four-wheel ABS, stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and an anti-theft system with an engine immobilizer.
Considering its age, the 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a car for those who appreciate Bentley's artistry and don't need the latest gadgetry. Being a Bentley, it remains resilient despite fleeting trends and with an average market price of around $40,000, a few options offer equivalent attributes. Unsure of where to buy one? Exotic Car Trader, your trusted source for exotic cars, is the place to go for everything Bentley. Our Bentley listings present only the market's finest examples, guaranteeing you find a Bentley Continental Flying Spur that suits your taste flawlessly.
For savvy buyers, the appeal of the 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is clear on several fronts. Firstly, its price is relatively lower than that of newer models, making the highly covetable Bentley experience more attainable. Secondly, its handcrafted interior and timeless design continue to impress, even in today's market. Lastly, the W12 engine guarantees a ride that's anything but outdated. 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! So, does the 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur still hold its own today? If an unplugged yet luxurious and exciting driving experience is your type of thing, it certainly fits the bill.
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