BENTLEY CONTINENTAL Carrozeria Touring | A Legendary Car Revived for the Modern Era
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL Carrozeria Touring
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL Carrozeria Touring
A Legendary Car Revived for Modern Times
At the Geneva Motor Show, Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring unveiled aBentleyshooting brake based on the Continental.
Text by Giraffe
The Revival of a Renowned Coachbuilder
Carrozzeria Touring, founded in Milan, Italy, in 1926, is a storied coachbuilder. Its patented lightweight body construction, known as "Superleggera," utilizing a tubular steel frame, was famously adopted by numerous legendary cars, including the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia Roadster, Ferrari 166, and Aston Martin DB4, making it a sensation of its era.
Although the company faced bankruptcy at the end of 1966, it was reborn in 2006 as Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, and continues to this day.
Approximately 20 Units Slated for Production
The model presented at the Geneva Motor Show is a special collaboration with Bentley. Two concept illustrations have been released, depicting the two-door coupe Bentley Continental transformed into a shooting brake with an extended cargo area.
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera stated, "While respecting Bentley's heritage and character, we propose a completely new model."
It has been announced that approximately 20 units of this special shooting brake are planned for production following its unveiling.
BRAND HISTORY
"I want to build a car that has the best speed and value in its class." These are the words of Walter Owen Bentley, the founder of BENTLEY MOTORS, affectionately known as "W.O."
W.O., who had gained experience as an engineer from a young age, initially worked not with cars, but with steam locomotives. During his time off, he participated in motorcycle races, which gradually shifted his focus to engines. After leaving his job, he began developing racing engines in earnest after World War I.
In the 1920s, he entered races both in Britain and abroad. Notably, the "Bentley Boys" achieved five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930, establishing the marque's reputation. However, the company's financial situation was precarious, and in 1931, it was acquired by Rolls-Royce, barely managing to preserve its name.
Rolls-Royce's ownership continued for the next 67 years, but a turning point arrived in 1998. Volkswagen acquired the Bentley name and the Crewe factory in England. This allowed Bentley to forge its own path, separate from Rolls-Royce. With the introduction of new models like the "Continental GT," followed by the "Continental Flying Spur" and "Continental GTC," Bentley made a remarkable comeback in the luxury car market. Furthermore, in 2003, they secured their sixth Le Mans victory, the first in 73 years.