A Modern Nod to a Racing Legend
The latest Bentley Continental Supersports, the most driver-focused model in the Continental GT lineup, is receiving a special touch of heritage. As part of a new Mulliner-designed appearance package, buyers can opt for a bold number '8' to be painted
onto the car's front grille. This isn't just a random digit; it's a deliberate and powerful symbol drawn from the deepest chapters of Bentley's motorsport history. The graphic is part of a broader, highly stylized package called 'Design Theme by Mulliner', which introduces dramatic, asymmetrical paint schemes that fade from one side of the car to the other, visually separating the driver's side from the passenger's. This entire package, including the historic number, underscores the car's purpose as a pure, performance-oriented machine.
The Legacy of the Number 8
Bentley's connection to motorsport is foundational, with a dominant presence at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s and 1930s. The brand secured five victories in this era, establishing a reputation for endurance and speed. While the exploits of the 'Bentley Boys' are legendary, specific race numbers carry their own weight. The new grille graphic evokes this golden age. More recently, the number 8 returned to prominence during Bentley's modern Le Mans comeback. After a 73-year absence, the brand returned to the iconic endurance race in 2001 with the EXP Speed 8 prototype. In its debut year, the number 8 car secured a remarkable third-place finish. The program culminated in 2003 when two Bentley Speed 8s achieved a stunning 1-2 victory, with the number 8 car, driven by Mark Blundell, David Brabham, and Johnny Herbert, finishing second right behind its sister car. This victory cemented the Speed 8's place in history and linked the number 8 with Bentley's triumphant return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
More Than a Car, It's a Statement
In the world of ultra-luxury automobiles, heritage is a powerful currency. By offering the Number 8 graphic, Bentley isn't just selling a car; it's offering a piece of its story. This type of bespoke customisation is handled by Mulliner, Bentley's personal commissioning division, which has a history dating back to the coachbuilding era before cars. Mulliner allows clients to create highly personalised vehicles, and this 'Design Theme' is a prime example of its capabilities. The package is exclusive to the Supersports, a model already limited to just 500 units worldwide. This exclusivity, combined with the historical reference, elevates the car from a mere mode of transport to a collector's item, deeply connecting the owner to a legacy of racing glory and British engineering.
The Ultimate Driver's Bentley
The Continental Supersports is a fitting canvas for such a historic emblem. Billed as the most driver-focused Bentley ever, it marks a significant departure from other models in the lineup. Unlike its siblings, the new Supersports is a pure, non-hybrid machine powered by a 657-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Crucially, it is also the first Continental GT of the modern era to be exclusively rear-wheel drive, a move that delights driving purists. Bentley's engineers have shed significant weight, using carbon fibre for the roof and key aerodynamic components, and even removing the rear seats to create a dedicated two-seater cockpit. The result is a car that blends Bentley's signature luxury with raw, unfiltered performance, making it the perfect platform to wear a symbol of the company's competitive spirit.
