I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, with a massive global recession heading our way, what you really need to do is get rid of some of that pesky money you have lying around. Well, good news - Bentley is here to help.
Ultra-precise scale models
The grandee British luxury carmaker is now offering ultra-precise scale models of its Continental GT coupe, in 1:43, 1:64, and massive 1:8 sizes.
That 1:8 size version, for which you'll need a massive office shelf, or possibly just its own room, is being offered as a 'bespoke' product so that customers can tweak the colour and spec of the model in the same way that they'd do for a real Conti GT. "This could," says Bentley, "match the car in their driveway, an iconic Continental GT racecar or the future car of their dreams, thanks to a suite of customisable options."
The 1:8 model measures 78cm in overall length and is made up of 1,000 individual components. Even inside the tiny cabin, there are parts carefully made to match the real thing. The tiny steering wheel features impeccably-copied cross-stitching, the iconic seat quilting and fluting is mirrored on the small yet detailed scale, and the model car even mimics the lustrous wood veneers and plush carpets that characterise the original. Even the doors and boot open to allow you to admire the intricately replicated interior in close detail.
300 hours to build
The Bentley design studio itself is involved in the creation of each of these models, which take around 300 hours each to build.
If you're buying one, you can choose from the existing lineup of Bentley's paint finishes, the leather on the seats, even the stitching and the wood veneer on the dashboard. "For the most knowledgeable of Bentley fans, fun can be had in commissioning a model that mirrors landmark Continental GT's from the brand's recent history," says Bentley. "For example, selecting Citric paint, a Beluga interior, carbon fibre veneers and red and diamond-turned 21-inch wheels seen on the black-wrapped Continental GT Supersports Convertible that broke the world ice speed record in 2011, driven by champion Juha Kankkunen. Others may prefer to choose the Viridian green first created by Mulliner in 2019 to launch the limited edition Continental GT Number 9 Edition. The model car pictured has been finished with Sequin Blue exterior paint and a Linen and Beluga interior - a classic combination."
A 'majestic plinth'
Each of these massive models is finished in high-quality resin, and comes with its own stand, or as Bentley puts it, "a majestic plinth."
How much, you ask? Well, by Bentley standards, it's a total bargain - just £6,995 of your British pounds, and you won't even have to pay VRT if you want to import it.
A little out of Sir or Madam's reach? Well, that's OK. For the far more reasonable sum of £85, you can have a 1:43 scale Continental model, which comes in a choice of Khamun exterior paint with Blackline Specification and a Beluga interior, or Storm Grey exterior paint with Brunel and Linen Interior - two bold yet classic combinations, selected by some of Bentley's most discerning customers of the full-size car.
"The resplendent gold tone of the Khamun model will pique the curiosity of budding, young Bentley drivers-to-be, who will be dazzled by the heritage of the brand and stories of its motoring heroes of the past 100 years. This model will be a treasured piece for the home, displayed above the reach of inquisitive children, allowing them to look up in awe and wonder, and inspiring thoughts of grand-touring adventures to come" says Bentley.
Still a bit pricey? Well, for the seriously poverty-stricken, there's always the tiny 1:64 scale model, which costs the pocket-money price of £12. This model is available in a choice of striking paint colours: Ice, Orange Flame and Sequin Blue 0 giving customers an element of personalisation. For customers who just can't choose, Bentley helpfully points out that the three options look fabulous when displayed together, or forming part of a larger collection of model Bentleys and other cars.