Bentley Collector Completes Le Mans-Themed Garage with Bespoke Bentayga Apex Edition
Longtime Bentley enthusiast Mark King has taken delivery of a Bespoke Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner, effectively completing his unique Le Mans-inspired collection. This latest acquisition sees the Northern Ireland-based collector now owning a matching pair of Le Mans Collection Bentleys, with the Bentayga joining his 2023 Continental GT Le Mans Collection, both sporting the distinctive Verdant Green and Moonbeam livery.
The Bentayga Apex Edition is an exclusive offering, with only 20 units built worldwide, handcrafted by Mulliner. It was available only to owners of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT or GT Convertible. This pairing celebrates the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s victory at Le Mans in 2003, which ended the brand’s 73-year hiatus from the prestigious endurance race’s winner’s circle.
King’s Bentley collection reflects his profound appreciation for the brand’s high-performance and luxury vehicles. His latest addition, the Apex Edition Bentayga, complements an already impressive lineup, including a Bentayga Speed, Continental GT3-R, and a Continental Flying Spur. Known for actively using his Bentleys, King has logged more than 100,000 miles in his Bentayga Speed, and often utilizes it for transporting other cars in his collection.
His decision to commission the Le Mans Collection Continental GT in 2023 made him an ideal candidate for the matching Apex Edition Bentayga. Bentley’s exclusive offer to existing Le Mans Collection owners made it an easy decision, and King was quick to secure his place among the 20 recipients.
The Apex Edition Bentayga: Performance and Heritage
Based on the Bentayga S model, the Apex Edition stands as the most dynamic iteration of Bentley’s SUV. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, it generates 542 horsepower (550 PS) and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque, enabling the luxury SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Performance-enhancing features include:
- Bentley Dynamic Ride for improved handling
- Rear-wheel steering for enhanced agility
- 22-inch Mulliner carbon wheels, reducing unsprung mass by 44 kg
- Carbon-ceramic brakes that offer superior stopping power
- A distinctive Le Mans-inspired livery, available exclusively to owners of the Continental GT Le Mans Collection
This Bentayga not only delivers enhanced handling characteristics but also retains Bentley’s signature luxury, featuring an interior crafted from Beluga hide and Dinamica fabric, beautifully accented by contrasting Hotspur stitching.
King’s Le Mans Collection Continental GT, introduced in 2023, was meticulously built to commemorate Bentley’s six victories at Le Mans. Inspired by the #7 Speed 8, which won in 2003, the GT boasts:
- Verdant Green exterior with Blackline accents
- A painted #7 grille in Arctica White
- Carbon-ceramic brakes with red calipers
- 22-inch ten-spoke black wheels
- A special inlaid emblem recognizing Bentley’s six Le Mans wins
A notable feature across all Le Mans Collection Bentleys is the Rotating Display, which includes a vitrine housing a genuine engine valve from the 2003 Speed 8 race car—a tangible connection to Bentley’s racing heritage.
With the addition of this Le Mans-inspired Bentayga Apex Edition, Mark King’s collection has solidified its place as one of the world’s most exclusive Bentley stables, a testament to the blend of performance, automotive history, and bespoke craftsmanship.
