2005 Bentley Continental GT

Finished in Cypress Metallic with a Saddle hide interior, this Bentley Continental GT’s first owner was Sir John Auld Mactaggart, 4th Baronet, who paid Jack Barclay £121,434 for it in 2005, a hefty sum equivalent to almost a quarter-of-a-million today.

We understand that ‘B1 NWT’ was put on by the second owner - A British Politician 

Even better, the paperwork on file for routine maintenance and repairs adds up to more than £50,000; truly, a money-no-object servicing regimen in that time.

The most recent service was by Silver Lady Bentley of Brentwood in May 2024 at 60,512 miles, and other recent work includes four new and matching tyres, rear brake discs and pads, a refitted headlining, and polishing the headlamps. As you'll see the Bentley has done nowhere near 2,000 miles since its last service.

Of course, it also comes with a long and advisory-free MoT and runs and drives flawlessly.

Isn’t Cypress Metallic, paint code LK7T, a fabulous colour? Shimmering in the sunlight, there’s a complexity to its hue that’s both subtle and understated.

Naturally, the fact the panels are free of dents, dinks, and ripples helps, as do the shutlines that beckon you to run a fingertip around them in order to better appreciate their consistency.

The four corners are free of scuffs and scrapes, as are the door mirror caps. In fact, the only scuffs we can see are to both front wheels, something that’s hardly a rarity these days.

Other than that, the 19-inch split-rim alloy wheels are in good shape, and they’ve been fitted with a new set of 275/40ZR19 Acceiera PH2. They’ve all got good centre caps too, behind which restrained grey brake calipers lurk, further reinforcing the Bentley’s stealth credentials.

The colour of the front and rear Bentley badges, which are in an excellent condition, recall the legendary Black Label cars; the recently polished headlamps are, like the rest of the lamp lenses, in good shape with no cracks or chips, although they are still a bit hazy; and the vast swathes of mesh air intakes, necessary to keep that greedy W12 engine fed and cooled, are also free of damage.

Of course, the passage of more than 20 years has taken its toll, albeit a light one thanks to that dedicated curation that has included three documented repairs.

Nonetheless, we spotted various stonechips and scratches to the front, faded paint and polishing swirls on the bonnet, peeling trim around the windscreen, delamination to the windscreen and side windows, noticeable paint repair to the roof panel, not sure it a paint repair where blending had faded slightly or the clear coat has failed in one area, and chips to the offside front and rear wings plus the trailing edge of the driver’s door.

Cyprus Metallic over Saddle hide with burr walnut veneer is an embodiment of quiet elegance and sophistication, a combination that speaks to the car's distinguished heritage and the refined taste of its aristocratic ownership. With the earthy green-and-tan palette now in full revival, what once felt understated now feels inspired. This car was simply ahead of its time.

The use of hide extends to the headlining and the dashboard as well as the seats, transmission tunnel, and doors. It is all in a good condition and we couldn’t spot a single tear or hole.

The driver’s seat does have a few creases plus signs of wear to its outer edge but both are very light indeed and would pass muster in even the most finicky company.

The front seats, which are both electrically adjustable and heated and the steering wheel boasts flappy paddles behind it; thus, the Bentley reveals the duality of its nature.

The burr walnut veneer covers the dashboard and doors and even extends to the rear centre console, which contains cupholders and an armrest as well as air vents and an ashtray; coupés sometimes treat the rear seats as a bit of an afterthought, but this accusation cannot be levelled here.

The veneer is free of chips and cracks too, although the varnish is starting to separate on many of the trim panels, including the one that contains the Breitling clock. The rest has nothing more than a high-gloss sheen that’ll demand nothing of its new owner other than a wipe over with a duster and a smear of Mr. Sheen every now and then. (Lord Sheraton’s Wood Balsam, surely? Ed)

The brown carpets are trimmed with matching leather around their edges, and they too are in a fine condition with no holes or other serious wear, not even under the driver’s heels.

The boot is huge and contains a semi-deployed warning triangle on the underside of the boot lid a la Mercedes-Benz. It also hosts a tyre repair kit and a small tool kit.

The luggage space itself is vast and as beautifully trimmed as the rest of the cabin; fear not, your bespoke, calf-skin luggage will never be in safer hands.

Equipment levels are very generous, and our condition check confirms that everything works, including the two door warning lights and the air con blows nice and cold although we note the glovebox doesn’t close as tightly as it could and the gearknob has a few fine cracks in it.

The Continental’s service history is as follows:

· 08.05.2024 and 60,512 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 22.05.2023 and 58,256 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 10.05.2022 and 54,594 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 12.05.2021 and 52,572 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 18.05.2020 and 51,122 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 25.04.2019 and 47,908 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 02.05.2018 and 45,718 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 08.05.2017 and 43,098 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 12.05.2016 and 38,959 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 30.04.2015 and 33,571 miles – service by Silver Lady Brentwood

· 22.01.2013 and 25,688 miles – service by Capital Motor Company

· 03.11.2011 and (unknown) miles – service by Lux Automotive

· 29.10.2010 and 33,250 kms (sic) – service by P&A Wood

· 30.09.2009 and 25,012 kms (sic) – service by P&A Wood

· 30.10.2008 and 19,275 miles – service by Jack Barclay

· 09.11.2007 and 10,090 miles – service by Jack Barclay

· 09.11.2006 and 5,681 miles – service by Jack Barclay

As you’d expect given the scale of investment over the years, it starts on the button with an idle as smooth as Swiss Tony after three large Scotches.

It also howls like a demon when it is provoked and provides waaaaay more power than anyone really needs.

Need we mention our test drive went very well?

Cosmetically, there is a little age-induced tarnishing to the alloy components and some light corrosion to a few fasteners under the bonnet - small details that are entirely expected and easily remedied should the next owner wish. Equally, there is a compelling case for leaving things exactly as they are; the patina developing on this car only enhances its character, and with that glorious colour scheme, no Continental GT could wear it more beautifully.

Should the urge to improve ever strike, the front slam panel is the most rewarding place to start — the one area where age has made itself a little more visible, though straightforward and inexpensive to remove and respray. The bonnet struts are also worth a look; fully functional, but their surface rust is the only real cosmetic distraction in what is otherwise a remarkably well-presented engine bay for a car of this age — and replacement struts are readily available and inexpensive.

The underside is good, and while the front valence is free of the sort of scuffs lesser vehicles incur while negotiating 21st century traffic-calming measures, there is a barely noticeable stress crack to the front bumper.

Some cars come with paperwork, and many lay claim to having a history.

This Bentley Continental GT, on the other hand, has provenance with the names of its two previous owners scattered across twenty years-worth of paperwork, most of which bears the name of either a Bentley main agent or a well-respected independent specialist.

The Bentley’s MoT certificate, which expires in May 2027, was issued with no advisories, something it’s made a bit of a habit of over the years with only three MoTs finding something to moan about since its first in 2008.

Honesty compels us to admit that it did fail its first test though – for a brake light bulb…

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with two key fobs, one of which is new.

The registration number of B1 NWT will stay with the car.

The Bentley Continental GT is such an incredible feat of engineering that it isn’t an exaggeration to claim it redefined what can be expected of a grand touring car: Fast, stable, and very, very comfortable the only problem is that so many people buy them, expecting a Champagne ride on a lambrusco budget.

Not this one though, as the many, many invoices on file demonstrate.

With more than £50,000 spent on maintaining it over the years, we’d expect its reliability to be considerably above average.

And even the few cosmetic issues it presents – and they are few – can be largely ignored because that peerless colour scheme positively encourages a bit of character: It’s proper Old Money specification, and no aristocrat has ever worried about getting dog hairs on the upholstery or horse muck spattered along their flanks.

All of which means that if you have ever been tempted to take a punt on one, your moment has arrived.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.