552 bhp, 5,998 cc W-12 engine, six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, air spring front and rear independent suspension, and four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes. Wheelbase: 120.7"

• From the Karl Blade Collection

• Offered from original owner

• Traditional English luxury with German engineering

• High-performance supercharged W-12 engine

• Special factory order with Mulliner premium options

In 2003, Bentley ushered in a new age of motor cars, one that re-established independence from Rolls-Royce after a marriage of nearly three-quarters of a century. The first Bentley model to mark this split was the Continental GT. A sleek 2+2 grand touring coupe, the Continental GT abandoned V-8 power for a six-liter twin-turbo W-12. The new engine developed 552 bhp at 6,100 rpm and was mated to a ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission. A Torsen center differential allowed all-wheel drive. Electronic traction control and stability control were standard, as were Teves anti-lock disc brakes. A top speed of 198 mph and 0-60 acceleration of 4.7 seconds markedly bettered the previous Arnage model’s performance. For 2005 came the Continental Flying Spur, a four-door companion to the GT. The Flying Spur debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe and North America that summer. Motor Trend tested one by driving from Venice to Munich and found it surprisingly agile, roomy and very fast.

This Continental Flying Spur was special-ordered by the vendor from the Bentley works in Crewe. With the standard all-wheel drive and the high-performance W-12 power, its performance is stunning. The exterior is finished in spectacular and rare Midnight Emerald, a rich dark metallic green that appears black in many settings, with the occasional and fleeting slight shift to green simply enhancing the elegance of this imposing automobile. The sumptuous interior features Saffron leather, with Laurel as the secondary hide color. Even the headliner is noteworthy, elegantly fully upholstered in Saffron leather. Olive Ash Premium Mulliner veneer interior wood trim was specified, a stunning custom option. A special-order full-length center console extends from the instrument panel fully aft to bisect the twin electronically-adjustable rear seats. The extensive list of regular and special options includes a special Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap and 20-inch chrome-plated wheels.

This luxurious and comfortable sedan has traveled barely 20,000 miles since new. It has been maintained according to the factory schedule by the original selling dealer, Desert European Motors of Rancho Mirage, California. The style remains current with the 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, which with similar equipment lists for approximately $220,000.