Though most folks don't associate Bentley today as a racing-inspired motor company, the reality is that's where the brand's heritage lies. The world famous luxury automaker made waves at Le Mans where it dominated and Bentley relived that experience when the Speed 8 hit the circuit in the early 2000s.
The company doesn't want you to forget it successes, either. That's why it has a habit of producing limited edition Le Mans editions for its big, heavy luxury vehicles.
Set to debut at Monterey Weekend 2013 is an all-new Le Mans edition Mulsanne. Harking back to the company's roots, it will feature an upgraded interior and other little details that will make it stand apart from the standard car.
For the FULL details, check out the company-issued press release below.
Bentley's press release follows:
MULSANNE LE MANS LIMITED EDITION MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT PEBBLE BEACH
Continental Range of Le Mans Limited Edition models on display
1931 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Le Mans headlines a series of vintage Bentleys to be auctioned during the Monterey Classic Car Week
The past meets the present for Bentley this year as California's Monterey Peninsula is primed for a week of the world's most coveted historic automobile displays and events. Bentley continues to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race, as it debuts the Le Mans Limited Edition Mulsanne. This model complements the Continental range of Le Mans Limited Edition models which are available exclusively to North America.
"2013 is the 90th Anniversary of the first Le Mans 24 Hours race, in which Bentley was the only British marque to participate, and also the 10th Anniversary of the most recent win for the Speed 8 in 2003," said Christophe Georges, COO of Bentley Motors America. "Pebble Beach, for us, is the ideal place to debut and display our Le Mans Limited Edition Mulsanne model and to showcase our flagship vehicle in its Limited Edition livery to a very knowledgeable audience of automotive enthusiasts and Bentley owners from around the world."
The Le Mans Edition specifications are a blend of sportsmanship and heritage matched to the highest standards of technology and craftsmanship. The specifications, each inspired by a driver from Bentley's six victories at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race, will feature diamond-quilted hide seat covering, diamond-quilted hide door panels, drilled alloy foot pedals, sports tuned suspension and steering, 'Quad' Effect Tailpipe Finishers and two-piece five spoke dark tint alloy wheels.
The iconic Bentley Blower and the 2003 Le Mans winning Speed 8, along with its driver Guy Smith, join Bentley at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday. The Flying Spur, Bentley's new luxury four door sedan and the Continental GT Speed, Bentley's fastest production model ever, will also be on display at this exclusive gathering set upon the rolling greens of The Quail Lodge and Golf Club.
Following its world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, Bentley will present the Continental GT3 race car at The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at the Laguna Seca Raceway. The car, together with members of the Bentley Motorsports team, will be on display in the Laguna Seca Raceway paddock from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th August. Following this appearance, the Continental GT3 will continue its programme of developmental track work ahead of the planned return to competitive racing in 2014.
Auctions of Vintage and Classic Cars
Pebble Beach is renowned for its car auctions and the highlight of the series of vintage Bentleys to be auctioned during the week is the 1931 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Le Mans. This car is one of only three Original Le Mans Specification production Supercharged cars built and it is perhaps a quirk of fate that this car is to be auctioned at the same time as the new Le Mans Limited Edition debuts in the United States.
In 2013, the following classic Bentleys are being auctioned, including some of the most significant Bentleys in the marque's history.
Bonhams will auction one Bentley on Friday, August 16th -
1931 Bentley 4 ½ Litre Supercharged Le Mans
Gooding and Company will auction three Bentleys between Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th -
1929 Bentley Speed Six Grafton Coupe
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback
1958 Bentley S1 Continental Saloon
RM Auctions will auction two Bentleys on Saturday, August 18th -
1932 Bentley 8-Litre Saloon
1937 Bentley 4 ¼ Litre Concealed Head Coupe