News: Bentley Announces Le Mans Limited Edition Mulsanne & Continental Models
• Bentley celebrates two significant milestones with heritage inspired models:
-The 90th anniversary of the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race and Bentley’s participation in the inaugural event
-The 10th anniversary of Bentley’s victory in 2003
• Six unique Limited Edition specifications inspired by victorious Bentley drivers
Bentley Motors, Inc. announced six new Le Mans Limited Edition specifications available on the flagship Mulsanne and the Continental family, exclusively available in North America. Each model is inspired by a driver from Bentley’s six victories at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race.
From the company’s start in 1919, Bentley was remarkably successful in both racing and setting new speed records. Founder W.O. Bentley was a determined supporter of motor racing as a means of establishing the Bentley marque and the company’s racing success was achieved through its engineering competence and the skills of a group of drivers known as the ‘Bentley Boys’.
After being the sole British entry and placing fourth in the inaugural 1923 race, Bentley won the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in 1924. From 1927 to 1930 Bentley dominated the event and took victory on four consecutive occasions. In 2003, nearly 83 years to the date from its previous victory, Bentley achieved yet another victory, placing first and second, with Guy Smith piloting the first of the two Speed 8’s across the finish line.
To celebrate these significant milestones, 48 examples of each ‘Le Mans Limited Edition’ model are being produced. Each car will have a unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, Le Mans Edition clock face, embroidered Le Mans badge to each headrest, tread plates with the limited edition name, unique Le Mans Edition wheels and specific interior veneers and exterior colours.
“We’re very proud of our motorsports heritage and we’re excited to celebrate our historic wins at Le Mans 24 Hours,” said Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc. “The Le Mans Limited Edition models showcase our performance and handcrafted luxury through these unique, heritage inspired specifications.”
Continental GT models will be available in the second quarter of 2013 with Mulsanne Le Mans Edition models available beginning in the third quarter.
For additional information please visit http://lemansedition.bentleymotors.com