Worth Every Penny
I was sitting down for dinner with a public relations rep for one of Detroit's Big 3 recently, discussing the good, bad and the ugly of the automotive world. After the usual "How did that vehicle get past the design stage?" conversation, talk turned to the most desirable cars. You know what I mean, the ones that you'd buy if money wasn't part of the equation?
When it comes to luxury sedans, there aren't many brands that qualify. I'm not talking about premium cars made by Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, but top-tier ultra-luxury models from Maybach, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Such marques are in a league unto themselves, not only because of their seemingly unreachable prices, but also because of beautiful craftsmanship, hedonistic luxury features and overwhelming performance.
As he is an avid collector, a true car guy to the core, I found it especially interesting that he chose Bentley as the consummate marque above all others, pointing out that the new Continental GT might just be his favorite car all-round.
This pro-Bentley sentiment is not unusual, mind you. I've spoken to many industry insiders and enthusiasts alike who feel likewise. Personally, if my income stretched to stratospheric levels I'd be placing my order for a new Continental myself, or an Arnage if my line of business demanded four doors.
But my enthusiasm for Bentley is not only founded in an appreciation for the automaker's gorgeous design language, but through personal experience. Having had the opportunity not too long ago to drive an Arnage R first hand, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
I was sitting down for dinner with a public relations rep for one of Detroit's Big 3 recently, discussing the good, bad and the ugly of the automotive world. After the usual "How did that vehicle get past the design stage?" conversation, talk turned to the most desirable cars. You know what I mean, the ones that you'd buy if money wasn't part of the equation?
 |
| Ultra-luxury brands like Maybach, Rolls-Royce and Bentley are truly in a league unto themselves. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
As he is an avid collector, a true car guy to the core, I found it especially interesting that he chose Bentley as the consummate marque above all others, pointing out that the new Continental GT might just be his favorite car all-round.
 |
| Recently I was able to experience the Arnage R first hand, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
But my enthusiasm for Bentley is not only founded in an appreciation for the automaker's gorgeous design language, but through personal experience. Having had the opportunity not too long ago to drive an Arnage R first hand, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.