Models · Bentley
Bentley Continental GT (2003–2011) buying guide
The first Continental GT, built from 2003 to 2011 as a coupé and as the GTC convertible. Every version has the 6.0 twin-turbo W12, a six-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.
The versions
- Continental GT and GTC: 5998cc twin-turbo W12, 552bhp
- GT Speed (2007): W12, 600bhp
- Supersports (2009) and Supersports Convertible (2010): W12, 621bhp
- ZF six-speed automatic with paddles, four-wheel drive through a Torsen centre differential
- Coupé and GTC convertible with a fabric roof
What to check on a first-generation Continental GT
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The cooling system and temperature gauge
What to look for: Watch the temperature gauge on a long drive and while idling afterwards; it should stay steady. With a torch, look through the front grilles at the radiators for coolant staining, crusting or damaged fins, and ask whether the water pump has been replaced.
Why it matters: Water pumps can fail on the W12, and a damaged or corroded radiator core has played a part in the small number of head gasket failures. Overheating is the thing to avoid, so a car with a renewed pump and clean radiators has had the right attention. Reaching the pump means removing the front end.
Misfires from coil packs
What to look for: From cold and once warm, listen for an uneven idle and feel for hesitation or stumbling under light throttle. A flashing or lit engine warning light should have its fault codes read.
Why it matters: Lumpy idling and misfires on these cars are usually a failing ignition coil pack. The fix is fiddly rather than serious, so a car that idles smoothly, or has paperwork for new coil packs, is a good sign.
Damp footwells and odd electrical faults
What to look for: Press the carpets in the footwells to feel for damp, and try every window, seat motor and switch. Watch for windows that move on their own or warning lights that come and go.
Why it matters: Control modules sit under the scuttle and can get wet, causing odd faults such as windows lowering on their own, and water can get in at the front footwells. A weak battery is another common cause of random faults; the car has one battery for starting and another for everything else.
Also in the full guide
- Gearbox shifts and the air suspension
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the first-generation Continental GT
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018) · Bentley Continental GT (2018–2024)
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Bentley.