After almost a two-decade hiatus, the Bentley Continental's return was highly anticipated. Sure, it was basically a Rolls-Royce Corniche on the surface and underneath, but it had the Bentley name and all that mattered. The Continental, initially a brainchild of Rolls-Royce, was designed to be a luxury touring car made to go fast over long distances while cocooning its occupants in luxury, a philosophy that not only the 2003 Bentley Continental T upholds but also today's Bentley Continental GT. But the Bentley Continental T wasn't your ordinary Continental. It was shorter, more powerful and had a revised chassis tweaked for spirited driving. This follows a tradition seen in other Bentley models, like the Bentley Azure T and Arnage T. Throughout Bentley's history, the "T" designation has marked high-performance variants, setting them apart from the standard lineup.
Bentley's 6.75-liter V8 boasts a rich history dating back to 1959. However, the iteration used in the second-generation Continental T differs significantly from its 1950s predecessors. It might lack the smoothness of the recently discontinued variants, but thanks to turbocharging and other improvements influenced by Volkswagen's engineering expertise, the 2003 Bentley Continental T had 420 horsepower and 650 lb.ft sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. That is more torque than the 2003 Bentley Continental GT had from the 6.0-liter W12 that Bentley had borrowed from VW. The result? A 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph, trailing the Continental GT despite the 2003 Continental T weighing less at 5,401 pounds.
Stepping into the 2003 Bentley Continental T's interior almost feels like entering a leather accessories shop. Every surface seems to be swathed in leather. From the seats to the steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, and center console, an overload of leather creates a sense of plushness and refinement. It gets even better if you get one with a rear seat delete and a set of Bentley traveling bags, again, made of leather. The ampleness of the leather is complemented by chrome elements, for example, on the door handles, speaker surrounds, gear selector, and on the buttons and knobs on the center console. Bentley even made it optional for buyers to switch the wood veneer center panel on the dashboard for a brightly finished panel matching the chrome bits.
At a distance, the 2003 Bentley Continental T almost looks like a sedan. Despite being a coupe, the rear quarter windows are nearly the size of the door windows, and it would have really helped if Bentley had added controls for them. The trunk is generally larger than you'd typically find on a mid-size sedan, but it perfectly complements the sleek yet very long hood. It's only when you compare the 2003 Continental T to other models that you notice it's slightly shorter, with a wheelbase 4 inches less than other models at 116.6 inches compared to 120.5 inches. Overall, it wasn't flashy as Bentley didn't adorn it with excessive chrome elements, but it possesses a quiet confidence and timeless elegance that speaks volumes about its classic Bentley pedigree.
While not equipped with the latest bells and whistles, the 2003 Bentley Continental T features some ingenious innovations that were ahead of time during production. For example, it had push-to-start ignition, first introduced in 1955 exclusively for the Continental T. This was the first time Bentley used an engine start button since 1955. Convenience goes beyond that as Bentley incorporated remote keyless entry, powered door locks with two-stage unlock, and powered windows. Additionally, there's a chance you might find one with a programmable garage door opener. Underneath, an adaptive suspension was offered as standard with suspension tuning, ride control, and automatic level control on all four corners. These prioritize a simpler and more focused driving experience.
The 2003 Bentley Continental T is among the elite ranks of Bentley classics, and this is reflected in its price today. Its market prices average around the $100,000 mark, with some going higher than that depending on the car's factory options, mileage, and condition, among other determinants. However, enthusiasts and collectors still consider it worth buying due to its enduring appeal, and if you've had one on your to-buy list for a while, Exotic Car Trader has you covered. We have a variety of Bentley listings, Bentley Continental T listings included. If you find one that suits your preferences, don't hesitate to let us know how we can make the buying process easier.
With its fusion of luxury and performance, the 2003 Bentley Continental T encapsulates the essence of a proper GT car, embodying the prestigious Bentley heritage. It provides an exciting and refined driving experience thanks to the luxury inside, and its exterior exudes understated elegance, which is symbolic of classic Bentley design. 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! The 2003 Continental T may not be the fastest car on the road today, but it offers something more valuable: a timeless driving experience. It's a car that whispers its pedigree rather than shouts it.
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