Before the Bentley Continental GT, as we know it today, Bentley had a Continental lineup that traces its roots back to the 1950s to the Bentley R-Type Continental. And although the Continental name has its beginning with Rolls-Royce, it is Bentley that made the Continental cars known for their grand touring pedigree, having been designed to go fast over long distances while pampering occupants in comfort and luxury. The first Continentals were four-door saloons with a sleek coupe-like profile, similar to today's Continental GT. When Bentley revived the Continental name in 1984, they transitioned to a two-door coupe format. The Continental range offered various models between 1984 and 2002, each catering to specific buyer preferences. The Bentley Continental T, for instance, was the most sporting variant of the range and was produced between 1996 and 2003. Why is it worth buying over other Continental models? Read on to find out.
When making the 2002 Bentley Continental T, Bentley had only one engine in their armory, a 6.75 liter twin-turbocharged V8, also known as the six and a-three-quarter engine. It was the same engine they used in other variants, but in the Continental T, it was tuned to 400 horsepower and 590 lb.ft, which was modest enough for a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. However, the Continental T held another performance edge over its siblings besides its power figures, a shorter wheelbase. This enhanced agility and contributed to a lighter weight of 5,335 pounds, which is still a substantial figure. But again, it wasn't made to dance through twisties like a ballerina on pointe. Its true purpose remained faithful to the original Continental, to be a proper grand tourer.
The 2002 Bentley Continental T might be over two decades old, but its interior design combines the best of the past and the present, resulting in one of the finest Bentley cabins. The diamond quilted leather on the seats is similar to what you'd expect in Bentley's current offerings, yet it has that classic appeal that is quite hard to miss in classic cars. A generous amount of aluminum complements the leather with a heavy presence on the dashboard and upper door cars. Let's talk seating. Considering the shorter wheelbase, the cabin seats four, but the second row has less legroom, and the sloping roof reduces the headroom, but there's enough for short journeys. The only downside is that the rear passengers miss out on the heated seats and individual adjustments. However, they still benefit from dedicated headrests and a center console for added comfort.
Driving a classic coupe like the 2002 Bentley Continental T feels like a scene straight out of a movie, not because of the feeling you get but because of the glances you steal. But having been produced in the 21st Century, is the 2002 Continental T a classic? We prefer to call it a modern classic, as like the interior, the exterior is a blend of classic and contemporary design cues. The headlights are circular pairs, similar to what Bentley uses today, and an older version of Bentley's matrix grille is positioned between each pair. The sweeping silhouette of the car is perfectly proportioned from the long hood to the shorter rear end, resulting in a pleasing overall appeal.
Besides the contemporary design cues, the 2002 Bentley Continental GT has its fair share of modern features that make it seem not-so-old. For example, it has a push-to-start ignition, which some car manufacturers still don't implement. Though it is not a technological feature, the aluminum in the cabin feels quite futuristic. In the driver assists and safety features suite, you get ABS, traction control, an engine immobilizer, and seatbelt pre-tensioners, among others. These added to the power door locks and mirrors might seem basic, but what more would you need?
Of all 321 Bentley Continental T examples built, only 19 were built in 2002, making finding a 2002 Bentley Continental T nearly impossible. Fortunately, 12 of those 19 examples were built as left-hand drives, increasing the odds of finding one in the United States. And if you're having trouble locating one, Exotic Car Trader is not a stranger to finding rare cars. You might find a 2002 Bentley Continental T listed among our Bentley listings. How much should you expect to spend on one? Bentley Continental Ts are different from what you'd describe as affordable classics. Prices average around the $100,000 mark, going higher or lower depending on the car's spec, condition, and mileage, among other determining factors.
As one of the finest offerings from Bentley's lineage, the 2002 Bentley Continental T embodies the epitome of automotive craftsmanship and prestige. Sure, owning one might come at a premium, but its price is a fair trade-off for what the car has and offers. 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! Like the Bentley Continental GT, which it preceded, the Bentley Continental T is all about effortless luxury despite its power, which hints at excellent driving dynamics, and its true purpose remains firmly rooted in grand touring excellence.
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