A decade on from claiming its sixth overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Speed 8 prototype in 2003, Bentley entered the ultra-competitive GT3 class with its Continental grand tourer. The race car in turn inspired the creation of the road-going GT3-R.

Removing the rear seats, equipping an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, and extensive use of carbon fibre helped shed 100 kilograms. A lowered ride height was combined with stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars to improve handling credentials. Shortening the final drive for the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission lowered the sprint time to 100 km/h to only 3.8 seconds. Production was limited to just 300 units. Boasting a 4.0-litre V-8 engine fed by twin turbochargers to deliver 579 horsepower, the GT3-R was the most driver-focused Bentley of the modern era.

The example offered here was configured with Glacier White paintwork, features the GT3-R graphics over the rear haunches, sits on 21-inch forged wheels that conceal carbon-ceramic brakes, and wears a fixed carbon fibre rear wing. The interior, meanwhile, compromises Beluga Black leather with carbon fibre door cards and dashboard trim, diamond stitching, and green accents. Although a more track-honed model, as a Continental GT it is still lavishly appointed. Conveniences include electrically operated, heated, memory seats, keyless entry, voice control, satellite navigation, sports air suspension, and parking sensors with a rear-view camera, plus an analogue Breitling clock.

Delivered new via Bentley Lugano of Grancia in Switzerland in April 2015, this GT3-R benefits from single ownership as part of the Passion For Speed collection throughout its life. The most recent service was carried out by Bentley Zürich in February 2024, at which time the odometer was recorded as showing 11,482 kilometres. Accompanied by owner’s guides in their GT3-R leather folio, a space saver spare wheel, European Touring Pack, and tool kit, the car displayed a total of 11,581 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

A lesser-known, limited-edition luxury grand tourer with sporting credentials, this GT3-R makes for an appealing entry into any discerning collection.