Mulliner Limited Edition: Continental GT Convertible Number 1 Edition

The Continental GT Convertible Number 1 Edition by Mulliner pays homage to a car that defined an era. With a supercharged 4½ litre engine and lightweight aluminium body, the original No. 1 Blower delivered incredibly powerful and agile performance for its day, setting the Outer Circuit lap speed record at Brooklands in 1932.

Sharing the same exhilaration of driving a powerful car with the wind on your face, the Number 1 Edition elevates the contemporary design of the new Continental GT Convertible with distinctive detailing inspired by its namesake. This modern interpretation of a renowned car is an exciting fusion of Bentley’s past, present and future.

With its long sleek lines, the No. 1 Bentley Blower evoked a sense of speed and presence – as does the new Continental GT Convertible. The roof folds and rests incredibly low, revealing a graceful design line that sweeps up from the side panels and around the rear seats in a single, flowing line.

The Number 1 Edition’s striking appearance is intensified by a choice of two arresting paint colours: Dragon Red II, a nod to the No. 1 Blower’s distinguished red colour, or the black of Beluga. You can choose between Claret or Beluga for the roof, and the 22” Mulliner Driving Specification wheels are painted in gloss Black or Cricket Ball.

A painted Number 1 has been added to the front grille and there is an 18-carat gold-plated Number 1 badge on the fender. The Blackline Specification and Carbon Body Kit reflect the black detailing on the No. 1 Bentley Blower and heighten the car’s sporting characteristics.

Without pioneering individuals like the Hon. Dorothy Paget, the No. 1 Bentley Blower would never have existed. Both fabulously wealthy and eccentric, her passion for power and speed extended from horse racing to motor racing – which was lucky for Bentley Boy and racing driver, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin. Thanks to her financial backing, the first ever supercharged Bentley – the No. 1 Bentley Blower – was born in 1929.

It soon earned the nickname ‘Brooklands Battleship’ in thrilling style after Birkin continued competing in a 500-mile endurance race, despite its fabric-covered body catching fire mid-way through the race.

Dorothy Paget showed her support once more. She paid for it to be re-bodied with a single lightweight aluminium shell and painted in its now famous racing red colour. The car went on to set the Brooklands Outer Circuit lap speed record in 1932, recording an impressive 137mph.