BaT Bargain of the Week: Denzel Washington’s 2012 Bentley Continental GT

• The 2012 Continental GT made the ‘affordable’ Bentley faster and better than ever
• You can bid on Denzel Washington’s Bentley right now on Bring a Trailer
• It might be Denzel Washington’s used 2012 Bentley Continental GT, but will that make it reliable?

Unsurprisingly, celebrities can afford to have expensive tastes when it comes to cars. And thanks to the celebrity factor, when these cars occasionally go up for sale, they’re often priced way above the average market value. For example, Denzel Washington’s $405,000 993 Turbo. However, star-studded ownership doesn’t always boost resale value. And if you missed out on Denzel’s Porsche, don’t worry, because another of his cars is up for grabs: a 2012 Bentley Continental GT.

The 2012 Continental GT made the ‘affordable’ Bentley faster and better than ever

2012 Bentley Continental GT | Jean-Marc ZAORSKI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

I’m not exaggerating too much when I say that the Continental GT helped save Bentley. A lot was riding on the British luxury brand’s first modern (under VW ownership) car, but the ‘entry-level’ Bentley didn’t choke. Shortly after its 2003 launch, it became the best-selling Bentley ever, a title it still holds. And no one really cared that it had a few Volkswagen roots.

But the high-end luxury market never stands still, so after almost a decade, the first-gen Continental was showing its age. So, in 2012, Bentley introduced the second-gen Continental GT. And while it looks pretty similar to the first-gen model, a closer look reveals the differences.

In addition to a new V8 variant, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT also had a more powerful W12 engine. Also, the second-gen car’s W12 responds more eagerly thanks to its faster-shifting automatic transmission. Furthermore, the 2012 Conti has more aluminum in its suspension, as well as re-tuned adaptive shocks and air springs. So, it turns and handles like a lighter car, which it is; 143 pounds lighter, to be exact.

However, while Bentley subtly tweaked the Continental GT’s exterior for 2012, it made more notable changes to its interior. The gauges look more expensive, the center touchscreen is bigger and more responsive, and there’s virtually no sign of any VW parts sharing. Also, the 2012 Continental GT’s seats “are simply phenomenal,” MotorTrend says, as is the Naim audio system. But never fear, the rich leather, gorgeous wood, and knurled metal trim are still as solid as ever.

You can bid on Denzel Washington’s Bentley right now on Bring a Trailer

Now live at BaT Auctions: Ex-Denzel Washington 2012 Bentley Continental GT. https://t.co/75jifhEcrY pic.twitter.com/9VBLqBjYx6

— Bring a Trailer (@Bringatrailer) June 7, 2022

Admittedly, the latest Continental GT is even faster and nimbler, not to mention packed with more tech. But a decade later, the 2012 Conti remains a near-200-mph grand tourer par excellence. This likely explains why Denzel Washington bought one. And now, his former Bentley could be yours, because it’s listed right now on Bring a Trailer.

As mentioned earlier, this 2012 Bentley Continental GT rides on electronically-adjustable shocks and air springs. It also features a backup camera, heated mirrors, and xenon headlights. Inside you’ll find plenty of leather and wood as well as heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum pedals, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Plus, there’s a 9” center touchscreen with navigation and a CD changer.

It seems that Denzel Washington didn’t drive his Bentley too much, as this 2012 Continental GT has less than 12,000 miles on the clock. That also explains the battery tender that’s part of the sale. Furthermore, in addition to multiple service records, this Conti has a clean, zero-accident history. And that history indicates that Denzel Washington was the only owner.

It might be Denzel Washington’s used 2012 Bentley Continental GT, but will that make it reliable?

As of this writing, this 2012 Bentley Continental GT is listed at $56,500 with four days left in the auction. For sure, that’s not cheap. However, it’s roughly $33,000 cheaper than the cheapest second-gen Continental GT with similar mileage on Autotrader. And keep in mind that in 2012, the cheapest Bentley started at $192.5K, MT reports.

Since this is a used Bentley, though, a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended. And as a used Bentley, parts aren’t always cheap. However, if you treat them right, Continental GTs are some of the brand’s most reliable models. The transmission is a ZF unit, for example, and the VR6-based W12 is fairly stout as long as you change the fluids, filters, and oil regularly. And this car’s battery tender should keep both of its batteries nice and healthy.

So, are you prepared for the opportunity to own Denzel Washington’s Bentley?

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