2009 Bentley Continental GTC

Our vehicle is the first-generation Continental GT convertible, also known as the GTC, produced in 2009 and before the model refresh that year.

Like all of these early Continentals, this car comes equipped with the iconic six-litre W12 twin-turbo engine mated to the six-speed ZF semi-automatic gearbox and driving all four wheels.

While produced as a UK car, supplied to Bentley Cardiff, and registered here in 2009, this vehicle may have spent almost all of its life overseas. The current owner – only its third – states that the car was used as the personal vehicle of a dignitary in Malaysia.

That's somewhat reflected in the general condition of the car, with the undersides not subjected to British winters and salted roads, and the brand and colour choice (dark blue with magnolia interior) certainly fit the bill.

It also accounts for the relatively low mileage, with only 33,000 miles covered – equating to just under 2,500 a year – and the fact there's little UK history prior to returning in 2019.

The car has seen only sparing use over the past couple of years and is part of a fleet, stored in a large, spacious unit, that is being downsized as the current owner is moving abroad.

The Continental GT is a pretty big car at 4.8 metres in length and 1.9 metres wide without accounting for the mirrors. That's a lot of paintwork, which can not only go wrong with a poor colour choice (Bentley's customisation capabilities being legendary) but with use as there's a lot of potential to pick up damage.

Thankfully the Dark Sapphire paint choice is a very wise one, shifting from almost black in low lighting to a colour closer to indigo in much brighter conditions.

For the most part it's completely unblemished, with even the notorious trouble-spots around the nose – it is a 190mph car after all – and wing mirrors and wheel arches all appearing pretty much spotless.

There is, however, an odd scuff up high on the passenger door above the door handle, roughly three inches by one inch and consisting of a number of small vertical lines. It's not severe damage – indeed it's barely even visible until you get within a couple of feet of it – and doesn't look to have any particular consequences. Otherwise we'd be hard-pressed to point out anything amiss.

The matching blue roof is similarly in an almost entirely excellent state with no runs, tears, or rips across most of the area. There's a couple of small patches of more notable wear on the passenger-side rear area, and although eye-catching they don't appear to compromise the integrity or waterproofing on the four-layer hood.

For the most part the vehicle glass and brightwork is also in great condition, including the rear screen in the hood and mirror glass. Only the passenger-side mirror shows any signs of damage, with a crack in the covering for the indicator on that side – though the indicator itself still functions. There's also a bit of cracking around the lower edge of the main grille.

The four, 20-inch alloy wheels all look to be in close to brand-new condition, with three from four wearing Pirelli P-Zero tyres in good condition and an alternative brand tyre on the offside-front also with plenty of tread remaining.

Of course there's nothing quite like the inside of a Bentley, with high-quality hide, wood, deep-pile carpets and lashings of bright metalwork – including those famous organ-stop HVAC controls.

All four seats here are trimmed in magnolia leather, and look to be in top condition. There's no visible wear at all on the seat bases or backs – hardly a surprise with the very low mileage – and all of the electric controls for the front seats function as they ought. While the rear seats are actually usable in the GTC (unlike so many “four”-seat convertibles) they look to be entirely unused.

That magnolia leather continues across the dash fascia and door cards – with pleated inserts in the door cards – and it's in excellent condition throughout too with no damage or scuffs. It gives way to a secondary beluga hide on the dash and door card upper (and steering wheel outer), which is also in excellent condition.

None of the walnut inserts – covering the dash fascia, door cards, rear quarters, and centre console – show any discoloration or ageing and remain dark and lustrous. One of the cover panels – the concertina-retracting piece under the centre armrests – appears to have split, leaving it unable to close and with some of it retained in the housing, but otherwise it's not showing any particular signs of age.

With the roof closed you can see some staining and marks in the “Saffron” lining, but it's likely that a good, deep valet will get rid of most – if not all – of it.

There's a huge boot too, despite the need to stow the roof, with ample space for four sets of golf clubs and more besides. It shows barely any signs of use at all, although there is a patch of discoloration around the centre. There's also a pass-through ski-hatch into the rear-seat area should you need to carry such items.

Beneath the boot floor is a space-saver spare wheel (although it too is enormous) and most of the original toolkit – the towing eye seems to be absent – while the scuttles hold the car's two (starter and leisure) batteries, which are held on a conditioner when not in use.

Every control we tried, from the infotainment to the seat heaters, works just as it ought.

Like all first-generation Continental GT models, this GTC uses the six-litre W12 engine, more-or-less comprising two VR6 engines joined together at the crank to make four rows of three cylinders. It's boosted by a pair of turbochargers to produce around 550hp and 479lbft.

As you'll see from the video (shot on a very cold day in the north-east!) it's pretty difficult to tell it's been switched on, as the W12 runs as smoothly as you'd like and purrs quietly unless provoked. You'd just about need to put your hand on the cover to feel any vibrations at all.

From what we could tell there's no issues with the engine or gearbox, and no untoward noises from the suspension or recently replaced brakes. As you might spot, the fuel light is on, and that's a sight you should get used to at around 17mpg combined!

For the most part the car is pretty clean on the underside – further evidence of the lack of use in British winters – although there's a curious spot of damage to the sill in roughly the same location either side. It's not entirely clear what's caused this, although it's about the width of a tie strap, but there's no knock-on effects we can see and no damage to components underneath between the sides.

The GTC comes with a UK history file that dates back to its second owner starting in 2019, although aside from a 2008 build sheet there's not much known about its first decade and its Malaysian experiences.

Since 2019 all maintenance has been kept up with – a recent £7,000 service included braking components, although this bill isn't currently in the folder (due to the chaos of arranging an emigration!). There's MoTs from 2019 to present, as well as a current V5C and that of the previous owner.

You'll also find the original Continental owner's handbook, and there's a current MoT running through to August 2024.

There's a very good reason that the Continental GT continues to be Bentley's most successful model, even with the brand offering that now-obligatory SUV. The company has always specialised in luxury performance, and the CGT offers the best all-round performance on that spectrum without scrimping on luxury.

Coming in a subtle specification, this car is equipped with that model-defining W12 engine and has likely spent considerable time overseas and away from the worst that British roads can do to a vehicle. It's just a little bit of detailing away from being excellent throughout, but with no shortcuts on the mechanicals it's all ready for some stylish convertible motoring next summer.

We think this will fetch between £26,000 - £31,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Bedlington, Northumberland. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.