Zagato launched the Bentley GTZ at the Geneva Motor Show last Tuesday, a strictly limited-edition run of only nine cars based on the recently unveiled Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Zagato launched the Bentley GTZ at the Geneva Motor Show last Tuesday, a strictly limited-edition run of only nine cars based on the recently unveiled Bentley Continental GT Speed.

The Bentley GTZ project was conceived during a discussion between Dr. Ing. Franz Josef Paefgen, CEO of Bentley Motors Limited and Dr. Andrea Zagato, President of Zagato at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in 2006. It was during the “Tribute to Zagato” presentation at this event that Dr. Ing. Paefgen was struck by the beauty of the historical and recent Zagato models on display, which ultimately resulted in the naissance of the Bentley GTZ project.

For the Milanese Atelier the Bentley GTZ represents a benchmark in quality standards. The Zagato designers worked vigorously with Bentley engineers to ensure a quality standard equal to that of a production Bentley, not only in terms of fit and finish but also in terms of structure to achieve a high level of crash worthiness. The aluminium bodywork was completely hand-crafted by Zagato’s skilled craftsmen, whereas the interior also features new trim. The rear interior panels have also been completely redesigned to fit the new window line.

The attention to detail is remarkable. At the front the traditional Bentley grille has been enlarged, harking back to the ‘Blower Bentleys’ of old, increasing the historical DNA of the Continental GT in the process. Side marker lights have been introduced on the tips of the front fenders, whereas large fog lamps are positioned either side of the radiator opening. The latter can be regarded as a modern equivalent to the lamps fitted on the historical Speed Six ‘Blue Train’ coupe of 1931. A surprising detail is the inclusion of rather aggressive cooling apertures positioned on either side of the bonnet.

The side profile is typical of Zagato designs of recent times, following the Ferrari 575 GTZ silhouette almost identically. Zagato hallmarks such as the legendary ‘double-bubble’ roof feature, and in this case is enhanced by the two-tone paintwork bordered by a subtle hand-painted orange pin stripe.

At the rear the Bentley benefits from unique lighting clusters developed by Delvis GmbH, and a very elegant solution to the exhaust outlet with diffuser section combined. Other unique features include alloy wheels of iconic stature to Bentley’s recent past with a split-level 5-branch design.

Interest at the Geneva Motor Show for the Bentley GTZ is reported to be exceptionally strong, which will secure the limited production run at the Atelier during the next two years. For Zagato this represents the last in an era of cars evolving the style set forward by the Ferrari 575 GTZ of 2006, with the next coachbuilt car scheduled to present a new style.

by James Granger