Autoblog

New Zealand plumber Paul Vandenberg has one hell of a sense of humor (as well as presumably deep pockets). While most in his trade use vans or other practical haulers as their primary on-the-job vehicles, Paul has decided to opt for more comfort, less space and a ton of attention.

His business ride of choice? A Bentley Continental GT, complete with ad signage and roof rack to carry work materials. The idea was to garner publicity for his business, Atlas Plumbing, and as you can see, it worked like a charm. According to Vandenberg, his wife was less than thrilled with the idea (why are we not surprised?), but she's since "come around." For his part, Vandenberg says he'd like to work his magic on one of Maranello's finest next time... the mere thought of which makes many Ferraristi shudder, we're sure.

To each his own. No word on whether or not high-speed open-road blasts are included with Mr. Vandenberg's service visits, but if it was our sink getting fixed, we'd be sure to arrange for one.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]

Crewe. Just the name stirs the emotions of any auto enthusiast. Beginning at Crewe in 1946, Bentley has been producing some of the most aspirational production vehicles ever available. To celebrate 60 years at Crewe, Bentley will showcase the Continental GT Diamond Series Coupe and the Arnage R Diamond Series on a whirlwind tour through Australia, New Zealand, and South-East Asia and also feature the Speed 8 race car. If you are lucky enough to be close enough to experience this event, be sure to take full advantage of the opportunity to see some of the most-coveted vehicles on sale today up close and in person.

[Source: GermanCarBlog]

See press releases and more pics of the Diamond Series Continental GT and Arnage R after the jump!

Recognizing the ever-increasing accumulation of wealth in South Korea, Bentley Motors has decided to enter the Korean market and hock its wares next to such nameplates as GM Daewoo and Kia. Charmzone, Co. will operate in the South East Asian country as Bentley Seoul and have dedicated sales and support services in place by the fourth quarter of 2006.

Quick note of reference: In U.S. dollars one Bentley Continental GT equals 15 Kia rios.

[Source: Bentley]

PartyPoker.com is offering Paris Hilton a chance to win back the Bentley Continental GT she lost in a poker game at her family's Las Vegas casino... or at least one just like it.

The online poker house appears to be taking a crack at competitor GoldenPalace.com's publicity playbook, best known for paying $28,000 for the fabled Virgin Mary cheese sandwich auctioned on eBay and tatooing their website's address on professional boxers to circumvent advertising rules. So what does the heiress and Simple Life star have to reassert her Bentley ownership? Win heads-up against World Poker Tour host Mike Sexton in an online game of Texas Hold 'Em. Those thoughtful folks are even willing to set up a face-to-face, one-on-one with the professional poker player if cyber gambling isn't her thing.

Paris has 30 days to take them up on the offer.

[Source: PRNewswire via Big-Online-Casinos.com]