Way back in 1953, one Dr. Rowland Guenin of Switzerland ordered an ivory white R Type Continental. The fastest four-seat luxury car on earth at the time, the car is now one of the stars of Bentley’s heritage collection and, to celebrate its 70th birthday, the automaker has created a modern homage to it. Although Bentley built just 208 R Type Continentals, the car quickly became a legend. With a 4.6-liter inline six that produced 153 hp, it was described as a “magic carpet which annihilates great distances” in its time.

Its spirit, and its three distinct character lines (the roofline, the rear haunch, and the power line that runs from the front wheels down the side of the body) were the inspiration for the first-generation Continental GT, which marked a sea change in Bentley’s history. In fact, this very car, known as JAS 949 may have served as inspiration for the modern Continental, as it was bought back by the company in 2001, just two years before the modern car debuted.

 

The only appropriate starting point for this special commission, was the latest generation Continental GT Azure. Finished in Old English White, which is a faithful recreation of Ivory white, the paint plays against glittering chrome brightwork. Cricket Ball leather can be found throughout the interior of the modern car, which was chosen to replicate the interior of the vintage vehicle. Providing contrast, meanwhile, is the Beluga leather piping that is applied by hand.

The trim is a Burr Walnut veneer that has been given an open pore finish, as a nod to the patina on the 70-year-old R Type Continental. The outline of the classic Bentley has also been added to the dashboard’s veneer and the interior tread plates pointing out what this one-off Continental GT is celebrating. Under the hood, though, the special car is all modern. Its 4.0-liter engine has two more cylinders than the classic and provides three-and-half times more power, generating 542 hp sent to all four wheels.

Completed by Bentley’s in-house customization department, Mulliner, the one-off 2023 Continental GT Azure will now go into service for the brand as part of its UK press fleet.