In 2003, Bentley ushered in a new age of motorcars, one that re-established independence from Rolls-Royce after a marriage of nearly three-quarters of a century. From the first of January, only Volkswagen would manufacture and sell Bentley cars, while BMW would do the same for Rolls-Royce. 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-hp at 6,100-rpm and was mated to a ZF six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive platform is quick and agile in spite of its nearly 6,500 pound curb weight.

For 2005 came the Continental Flying Spur, essentially a four-door companion to the GT. Longer and roomier, it was necessarily heavier, but gave up to its sibling barely three miles per hour and two-tenths of a second in performance. Motor Trend tested one by driving from Venice to Munich and found it surprisingly agile, roomy and very fast. Together with the Continental GT, the Flying Spur bettered the fortunes of VW’s Bentley, increasing sales nine-fold in three years.

The 2008 example offered here is handsomely finished in, what appears to be, Dark Sapphire with stunning saddle-toned leather interior. It has all the trimmings and features one expects of such an ultra-luxurious sedan, beginning with the most luxurious hides, wood trim, alloy accents and thick carpets. The car indicates less than 66,000 actual miles from new by its single owner, and its superior condition is commensurate with its mileage and the accompanying service records.

The amenities associated with this flagship are almost too many in number to mention, but highlights include four-zone climate control, 16-way power front seats with multi-level heating, power heated mirrors, AM/FM/CD with 12 speakers, remote keyless door locks, navigation, remote trunk release, tilt/telescopic steering, cruise control, speed-proportional power steering, Bluetooth for hands-free phone, power windows and so much more.

Ensconced in overt opulence, few can find anything that is not marveled at when talking of this Bentley model; as Motor Trend editor Angus McKenzie said, “quite simply, there's no faster, more comfortable way of crossing a continent this side of a private jet.”