When the Bentley Continental GT first came out, it was substantially different from earlier Bentley coupes. The Continental GT was much smaller without a huge rear overhang and performance was at the top of its priority list. Its exterior shape looked much more similar to the Aston Martin design language. And performance was also on par with Aston Martin, if not better. That’s thanks to the fact that the Continental GT was one of the first cars to use the W12 twin turbocharged engine which is still found in Bentleys today. It’s also the first Bentley coupe entirely built under VW which didn’t have any ties to earlier Bentley models. Ultimately, it was so successful that even the 2007 Continental GT didn’t get that many significant changes compared to the 2003 model. And at the end of the day, what made the original Continental GT so great is also what makes current Bentley models great making it one of the most important models in Bentleys modern history. But before we go into more detail, check out the ones currently for sale here at Exotic Car Trader in case you are in the market for one.
Bentley was never a stranger to fast luxurious coupes but until the Continental GT came out, the emphasis was always on luxury instead of performance. Moreover, all previous Bentley coupes were based on sedan models which isn’t the case with the Continental GT even though it looks almost the same as the Flying Spur. This new approach which put handling and performance as the top priority turned out to be so successful that Bentley has made over 100,000 examples by now. And until 2008, the Continental GT remained largely the same. In 2005 it got an electric trunk lid as standard, and in 2006 it got carbon ceramic brakes which was the first time a Bentley got them. The 2006 model also got a keyless entry system and Bluetooth connectivity. As for the 2007 Continental GT, it got an upgraded navigation system and phone connectivity. The 2008 model saw much more significant changes and in 2012 a facelift Continental GT was introduced. And thanks to the original Continental GT’s success, the latest model is heavily tied to it and will continue to be in the future.
Almost excessive wood and leather is normal in modern Bentleys as it was decades ago. But while the latest Bentleys have strayed away from the 80s and 90s interior design, the 2007 Continental GT still obviously draws inspiration from them. That can be seen by looking at the tall dashboard that’s almost symmetrical on the driver and passenger side. And both the passenger and driver side of the dashboard are in most cases finished in wood. And while the signature gauges on top of the center console are gone, a small clock is still there to pay tribute. Below the clock is a modern infotainment system pulled from VW and so is the shifter assembly which comes from the Audi TT. But apart from that, there is not much parts sharing. The front seats are big and comfortable, and carpets are thick while everything that’s not covered in wood is covered in leather making the Continental GT one of the nicest places to be in, even rivaling modern Bentleys. But the back seats are where the 2007 Continental GT is lacking compared to earlier Bentley coupes. The seats are relatively cramped and there are little to no toys for passengers to play with. But then again, this is a 2+2 coupe so that’s to be expected.
Everything about the 2007 Continental GT’s exterior screams power. Starting with the huge factory wheels which almost make it look like a concept car. And moving to the side profile which is dominated by the beautifully pronounced rear fenders which even kick upward over the wheels giving it an even more serious performance look. But despite that, the side profile is classy and with gorgeous flowing lines that are neither too subtle nor too aggressive. Up front, the signature double round headlights with projector beams make the Continental GT look timeless and the simple but aggressive bumper is no different. And of course, the Bentley grille couldn’t miss the Continental GT but it’s now much more streamlined and fits more than well with the rest of the design. The rear is arguably even more beautiful than the front with the long sloping roof line which ends right at the rear bumper. And two large oval exhausts mounted in the middle of the bumper complete the picture perfectly giving the Continental GT a premium look few cars even in its price bracket have.
The Continental GT pretty much debuted at the same time as its W12 engine. That same engine with minimal changes can still be found in all current Bentley models. The six-liter, twin turbocharged made 552 horsepower back in 2007, and an equally impressive 479 lb. ft of torque. That enabled the 2007 Continental GT to accelerate to 60 in just 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph. And thanks to the four-wheel drive system that came standard on all models, even the not so experienced drivers were relatively safe despite its power. The only major difference between the 2007 Continental GT drivetrain and current Bentley models is the transmission. The 2007 model uses a six speed, torque converter transmission while modern Bentleys use an eight-speed double clutch unit. The transmission, coupled with the fact that the Continental GT weighed over 2.4 tons meant it was never a true supercar. But it was often faster than a good number of them in the real world, especially when the conditions are less than ideal.
Back in 2007 the Continental GT had a starting price of $170,000 in the US which by today’s standards doesn’t sound like much for such a car. But adjusted for inflation it was more expensive than the current Continental GT. And thanks to the GT’s stunning looks that still look modern and its impressive performance, the prices haven’t dropped as much as they have for some of its competitors. Used 2007 Continental GTs go for around $50,000 on average while those with less than 50,000 miles easily fetch over $75,000. But if you don’t mind high mileage, there are examples going for less than $40,000. And generally, the GTC convertible models are cheaper still with prices going as low as $25,000.
Ultimately, the 2007 Continental GT still turns heads as much as the new one does. And thanks to the fact it's got the same engine as the new one, the performance isn’t too far off either. Not to mention you will very rarely come across something faster on the road. And then there is the no expenses spared luxury which is very easy to fall in love with. Since now is the best time to buy a 2007 Continental GT, Exotic Car Trader will make the entire process as convenient as it gets. Exotic Car Trader provides escrow services, first inspection, delivery and handles all the paperwork. All you need to do is send a digital offer to the seller in no more than a few clicks. The same goes if you are looking to sell your current car through Exotic Car Trader.
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