The Continental GTC First Edition represents the very best of the 3rd generation car at launch and, crucially, the outgoing 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 in its most complete open-top form. Available only during the first year of production, the First Edition wasn’t just a badge exercise, it was a £34,700 specification masterclass that bundled together the Mulliner Driving Specification, Touring, City and the beautifully theatrical Bentley Rotating Display as standard. Subtle Union Jack badging, First Edition sill plaques and unique seat embroidery mark it out to those who know, without ever shouting.

Visually, the 3rd generation GTC is a huge step on from its predecessor. Wider, lower and more sculpted, it retains those unmistakable haunches but adds a sharper, more modern edge. Drop the fabric roof in just 19 seconds and you’re left with one of the most elegant silhouettes in the luxury convertible world. Beneath that long bonnet sits the mighty W12, delivering effortless, turbine-smooth performance through an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It’s deceptively rapid yet utterly refined, exactly what a flagship Bentley convertible should be.

Inside is where the First Edition really justifies itself. Diamond-in-diamond quilting, knurled metal finishes and that rotating display create an occasion every time you step in. The 3-chamber air suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride system give it uncanny breadth of ability, wafting when you want comfort and tightening up when the road demands more. For enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, rarity and the significance of the now-retired W12, the GTC First Edition stands as a particularly special chapter in Bentley’s modern history.