Rarely can a new car costing £117,000 be described as a bargain. But when it was launched three years ago the Bentley Continental GT coupé was positively underpriced compared with a Ferrari 575 at £155,000 or an Aston Martin Vanquish at £177,000. Now, with second-hand values starting at about £75,000, it could be the best-value used super-coupé money can buy.

Under the bonnet is a 6 litre W12 engine, with a pair of turbochargers for good measure. The result is 552bhp and a monstrous 479 lb ft of torque. With this channelled through a six-speed auto box the Bentley reaches 60mph in just 4.7sec and tops out at 198mph. All that from a car weighing 2,385kg.

But don’t be concerned that such performance might be a bit undignified for a Bentley, because it isn’t. Stamp the throttle into the carpet at any speed and the gearbox kicks down seamlessly, leaving you to marvel as the speedometer needle arcs up at an astonishing rate.

Of course, most Bentley Continental GTs are bought for absolute comfort rather than absolute speed. The self-levelling air suspension and automatically adjusting dampers provide an excellent balance between cornering poise and limousine smoothness while the permanent four-wheel drive endows the car with decent grip.

Front-seat space is generous, with electric adjustment to both seats and steering column. Rear passenger space is more limited, and two adults can travel only short distances in comfort.

The Continental GT’s build quality is also outstanding. For Bentleys of an earlier era “hand built” often meant less than perfect. No such issues now. Every switch, stalk and surface is sturdy and beautifully finished, and Bentley claims that up to 14 separate hides are used to trim the inside of a single cabin.

And if the standard choices of leather and wood trim are not quite what a buyer is looking for, the new cars can be personalised by Mulliner, the company’s specialist division. The personalisation process can be as minor as embossing Bentley emblems into the leather trim or as radical as a bespoke paint finish. Costs for such work can be eye-watering and it is important that when buying second-hand you don’t end up paying a large premium for an option that was not your choice in the first place.

All new cars came with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, so apart from the scheduled servicing — due every 10,000 miles — owners should have faced little more than bills for the usual items such as tyres and brakes.

When buying used, it is important to see the service history and establish whether the car was an original UK-supplied vehicle. Strong demand at launch meant a few imported cars were sold in the UK and these tend to have lower values. Colours and trim combinations also affect used values, with contrasting interior and exterior colours the most popular.


Wheels
The Bentley has 19in rims as standard but many cars sport the larger 20in ones. Optional chrome-plated wheels can look great but require regular cleaning

Satellite navigation
The DVD-driven satellite navigation system is superb with a rerouting facility if congestion is likely

Fuel economy
Around 10mpg in town and 16mpg with mixed motoring, so the 90 litre tank has only limited range

Boot space
The 370 litre boot is free of intrusions and perfectly capable of carrying a couple of sets of golf clubs

Interior
Broad choice of standard leathers and woods is supplemented by Mulliner personalisation service, giving the opportunity of having a completely bespoke trim and colour combination

Safety
There is no Euro NCAP crash test score but front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, plus active front head restraints to reduce whiplash, electronic stability control and electronic brake force distribution

Climate control
Multi-zone climate control comes as standard

Security
A factory alarm system and immobiliser are fitted as standard but most owners will upgrade for additional security

THE ONE TO BUY

Bentley Continental GT coupé 2004 54-plate with 30,000 miles. Pay £84,500 at a dealer or £80,000 privately

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY

2000 V Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible
2000 W Lamborghini Diablo VT coupé
2003 53 Ferrari 575M Maranello
2004 04 Aston Martin DB9 V12 coupé
New BMW M6 coupé

VALUES

Explore Driving

• Jeremy Clarkson

• New Car Reviews

• Used Car Reviews

• News

• Features

• In The Showroom

• Buying Guide

• Car Clinic