To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Bentley chose to honored Sir Henry Ralph Stanley “Tim” Birkin and his storied Number 9, the imposing green, supercharged “Blower Bentley” that raced into legend at the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans and has since become an icon of prewar motor sports. Available only in Viridian Green or Beluga Black with a choice of Cumbrian Green or Beluga heritage hides, only 100 were hand built by Bentley’s personal commissioning division Mulliner in Crewe, United Kingdom. Each Continental GT Number 9 Edition wears tailored “9” badging and a corresponding front grill graphic, along with color-matched 22-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber body kit, and Bentley’s Black Line Specification. Inside, the center console features aluminum trim with an engine-turned finish and a timepiece by noted British watchmaker Jaegar that echoes the gauges found on the original “Blower Bentley.”

To add a piece of authentic history to each car, Bentley included a small wood artefact harvested from the seat of Birkin’s Number 9 Le Mans racer during a sympathetic restoration. Set in resin and backlit, it is housed in a central dial within the rotating display panel in the center of the dash. Numerous Centenary Gold trim pieces, special “1 of 100” doorsill plates, and 18-karat gold-plated organ stops continue the homage to Sir Birkin and his storied Bentley.

Offered here is one of these rare Number 9s, of which only 100 were produced. Sold new via Bentley of Greenwich, Connecticut, it is finished in Veridian Green over Cumbrian Green leather with Alcantara headliner and steering wheel. Factory options include a Bang and Olufsen audio system, contrast stitching, front seat comfort specification, and welcome lighting, which illuminates the ground with a Bentley logo. All told, the car features more than $80,000 in enhancements over a standard Continental GT. As of cataloguing time, it had been driven only 6,560 miles. A clear protective paint coating has been applied to the entire car.

Combining spirited performance with handcrafted luxury, the Bentley Continental GT has always occupied a unique place in the automotive world with its blend of supercar capabilities and limousine comfort. This unique, limited edition of the quintessential contemporary Bentley sports coupe carries special significance and beautiful detailing beyond the already remarkable standard Continental GT, making it highly sought-after and immensely desirable to collectors and Bentley enthusiasts.