Autoblog

Bentley Continental GT Speed - Click to view hi-res image gallery.

As Bentley's production numbers continue to grow, taking the classic British marque farther from the fringe and closer to the mainstream – that is, in as much as six-digit luxury automobiles could be considered "mainstream" – the company's exclusivity seems to dwindle. But the premium Volkswagen Group automaker is on a path to put some individuality into its cars by increasing in-house coachbuilding efforts.

Through its own Mulliner division, Bentley already offers a range of customization options for bespoke Arnage models, but Crewe is planning on broadening the coachbuilding efforts to include the Continental range as well. Among the various techniques Bentley will offer will be a slew of hi-tech materials including composite materials and something called Laser Metal Sintering which F1 teams use to produce high-strength little parts. In the process, Bentley has also ruled out the option of providing stripped engines and chassis to outside coachbuilders.

The prospect of putting new bodywork on the epically fast (but not necessarily the best-looking) Continental Flying Spur sedan has us foaming at the mouth...if only we had the cash. We'll stay "tuned" (pardon the pun) to see what sort of creations Bentley turns out for their most discerning and moneyed clients.

[Source: Motor Authority]

I saw this car at the Greenwich Concours a couple of weeks ago, where it won the trophy for Most Distinguished Rolls-Royce. The photos I've attached don't do it justice. No photo really can. It's just that kind of car. This Silver Wraith attracted people the whole time it was there, such was its innate magnetism. And now it's on eBay.

Its restoration has been performed to absurdly high standards. The finish is mirrorlike, the undercarraige is cleaner than a hospital operating room, and the engine, like the exterior, is resplendent in black, as if dipped in an inkwell. Like the rest of the car, it's a sight to behold. The red leather in the passenger compartment stands in bright contrast to the rest of the machine, and the full picnic kit stowed in the trunk contains china that's probably nicer than what's in my cabinet at home -- I'm talking about the good stuff that never gets eaten on that I got as wedding gifts. Proceeds from the sale are said to benefit an unnamed charity, whose management should be pleased to know that the current bid is already over $1.1 million. The reserve's not met yet, and the "Buy It Now" link is still active. Don't click it, though...not unless you have $2,150,000 to back up that rash behavior.

More pics after the jump. Gallery below.. Thanks to Mike for the Tip!

[Source; eBay]

All photos Copyright ©2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.