2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

• The 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur introduced four-door grand touring performance with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 producing 550 bhp.

• Designed alongside the Continental GT, it offered an extended 3,065 mm wheelbase for rear comfort and limousine-level refinement.

• The first production model, chassis VIN 20001, remains part of the Bentley Heritage Collection, finished in Cypress Green with Saddle and Cognac leather.

A Grand Tourer with Four Doors

When the 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur arrived, it felt like Bentley had taken everything impressive about the Continental GT coupe and stretched it into something more practical — and perhaps more complete. Built at Crewe, it shared the coupe’s proportions and powertrain but added a sense of dignity that came naturally with four doors and a longer stance.

At 5,290 mm long, the Flying Spur was substantial but far from bulky. Its lines were taut, the shoulder broad, and the front overhang short — giving it a sense of motion even at rest. Head of Exterior Design Raul Pires, under Dirk van Braeckel, kept the Continental DNA intact but softened the rear haunches for a smoother flow toward the tail

The longer 3,065 mm wheelbase stretched the cabin enough to create proper rear legroom — something the coupe could never offer.

W12 Power and Quiet Authority

Under its sculpted bonnet sat the same 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine used in the GT, producing 550 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 650 Nm of torque at just 1,500 rpm

The numbers were impressive then and remain formidable today. Power was fed to all four wheels through a ZF six-speed automatic with a Torsen central differential, ensuring traction even when conditions turned unpleasant.

Bentley claimed a 195 mph (312 km/h) top speed, though insiders quietly confirmed it could touch 200 mph in testing. The run to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds was brisk for a 2.4-tonne saloon. Yet the real achievement wasn’t the speed itself — it was how composed the car stayed while delivering it.

Chassis, Comfort, and Engineering

The Flying Spur’s steel monocoque chassis and stainless-steel front subframe provided rigidity, while its air suspension with adjustable electronic dampers balanced comfort and control. Independent double wishbones at the front and multi-link rear suspension gave the car a planted yet supple ride

Bentley engineers fine-tuned the aerodynamics too — its 0.31 Cd drag coefficient was actually cleaner than the GT coupe’s 0.32 figure. The result was a quiet, stable, and surprisingly efficient highway companion, especially at continental cruising speeds.

Inside Crewe’s Craftsmanship

Open the door and the cabin immediately revealed Crewe’s handiwork. The first production car, finished in Cypress Green, used Saddle and Cognac hides with Burr Walnut veneer throughout

Each car took weeks to assemble by hand, and details such as contrast stitching, knurled switchgear, and Mulliner’s optional full-length centre console emphasized Bentley’s dedication to old-world craftsmanship.

Every surface felt substantial, every control engineered to move with deliberate weight. The Flying Spur’s atmosphere was as much about sound insulation as it was about materials — a calm, cocooned space built for long-distance travel.

Technical Specifications

• Production Period: 2005–2013 (model introduced 2005)
• Body Style: Four-door, four-seat saloon
• Curb Weight: 2,440 kg
• Engine: 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged, 48-valve
• Displacement: 5,998 cc
• Power Output: 550 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 650 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
• Transmission: ZF six-speed automatic with Torsen AWD differential
• Chassis: Steel monocoque, stainless-steel front subframe
• Suspension: Independent (front: double wishbone; rear: multi-link) with air springs and electronic dampers

Dimensions:

• Length: 5,290 mm
• Wheelbase: 3,065 mm
• Front Track: 1,623 mm
• Rear Track: 1,607 mm

Performance:

• Top Speed: 195 mph (312 km/h)
• 0–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
• Aerodynamics: Drag Coefficient 0.31 Cd
• Drive System: Permanent AWD with ESP

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