To help celebrate its centenary in 2019, Bentley has announced the Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner, said to be inspired by the firm’s illustrious motorsport history and incorporating a number of distinctive features. Just 100 examples of this special edition will be built throughout the year.
HOMAGE TO HISTORY
The Number 9 Edition by Mulliner pays homage to Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin and the ‘Blower’ Bentley – No.9 – that he raced at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours. Birkin commissioned the production of a series of supercharged 4½ Litre Bentleys, with power boosted from around 110 to 175bhp in the process. Bentley’s latest limited edition is distinguished by its No.9 badging and its matching front grille graphic.
Customers have the option of either Viridian Green or Beluga Black paintwork with 21-inch ten-spoke wheels also in these colours. Inside there’s a choice of Cumbrian Green or Beluga heritage hides, with increased gloss levels to the seats, inner door panel and other areas. Debossed ‘B’ logos feature on the seat headrests and door panels, as they did the door pads of the 1930 ‘Blower’.
Each Number 9 Edition by Mulliner also features a wood insert from the seat of Birkin’s iconic Le Mans race car, which was removed during its renovation. This backlit piece is set in resin and situated in the middle of the centre dial of the dashboard’s rotating display, adding a piece of history to each example. Each of the 100 cars also features 18K gold plated organ stops inspired by those in the No.9 ‘Blower’, as well as ‘1 of 100’ tread plates.
