This Depreciated Bentley Might Be the Cheapest 200 MPH Car
When you were a kid, did you dream of owning a car that could hit 200 mph? That speed was often associated with supercars like the Lamborghini Diablo, a goal largely out of reach for most of us. However, in the last 35 years, we’ve seen a surge in vehicles capable of astonishing speeds, and depreciation has made some of these cars more accessible.
So, what’s the most affordable 200 mph car? While models like a Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG and a BMW M5 with the SMG automated manual gearbox, with their speed limiters removed, can reach this velocity, we’ll stick with stock configurations for this discussion. This leaves us with cars like the Dodge Charger Hellcat. But surprisingly, there’s a car that’s even cheaper than a Charger Hellcat, yet boasts an official top speed of 200 mph: the 2008 Bentley Flying Spur Speed.
Let’s rewind to the early 2000s. Volkswagen acquired Bentley, severing the brand’s long-standing association with Rolls-Royce. Simultaneously, BMW secured the rights to the Rolls-Royce name and ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot. This led to some disagreement and eventually, Volkswagen having to re-engineer the Arnage to accommodate the Bentley 6.75-liter V8 engine.
Bentley needed a new model below the Arnage, and Volkswagen had a solution. They took the heavy and complex Volkswagen Phaeton W12, gave it new bodywork, lavish interiors, and an engine modification that included two turbochargers. The result, available as a Continental GT Coupe or a Continental Flying Spur sedan, was a 552-horsepower cruise missile. However, its top speed was between 195 and 197.6 mph, which wasn’t enough.
Fortunately, 2008 arrived.
Specifically, in 2008, while financial institutions were collapsing, and Detroit’s automakers were seeking government aid, Bentley was developing a four-door weapon to surpass expectations. This was the Continental, with 50 more horsepower, 74 more lb.-ft. of torque than the standard model, tweaked suspension, sharper steering, the option of carbon ceramic brakes, and a top speed of 200 mph. It was named the Flying Spur Speed, and it’s a standout in terms of trim levels.
The Flying Spur Speed’s performance extends beyond its top speed. A 2009 model tested by Car and Driver accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, achieved 0.89 g on the skidpad, and stopped from 70 mph in a shorter distance than a Lamborghini Murcielago. But it was still a proper Bentley, and that speed was accompanied by remarkable isolation. As the magazine wrote:
When you punch the throttle, the result feels a bit like riding a skyscraper shot out of an artillery piece, with max torque coming at a low 1750 rpm. The sounds you hear are dominated by intake whoosh and a determined, locomotive groan from the engine room. But, disappointingly, the exhaust is overwhelmed by wind noise with the windows down and simply eliminated with the double-paned glass up. On throttle lift, you can detect a pleasing woofle from the back, but it seems that only bystanders are destined to hear the W-12’s exhaust note.
That test car came with a price tag of $236,665, but depreciation has significantly reduced the cost of owning a Flying Spur Speed.
Consider this 2010 Flying Spur Speed, offered in Arizona for $29,500. Despite its 111,297 miles, it has a clean Carfax and history of service at Bentley dealerships, suggesting it’s been reasonably maintained.
Here’s another example, a 2010 Flying Spur Speed with a more manageable 61,367 miles, offered at a BMW dealership in California for a similarly affordable $29,999. With a clean Carfax and a well-maintained interior, it still presents a luxurious profile.
Are you interested in online auctions? A 2011 Continental Flying Spur Speed was sold on Bring A Trailer last year for $32,855. Though it had 79,000 miles, it had a clean Carfax and a stylish color scheme.
However, there’s a caveat. Cheap Bentleys can be expensive to maintain. They feature a twin-turbocharged W12 engine and air suspension. Repair costs can be substantial. While the Flying Spur addressed some issues of its predecessors, major repairs can still be costly.
Nevertheless, with the right skills or willingness to pay for repairs, a pre-owned Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed could be the most budget-friendly way to join the 200 mph club, without resorting to engine modifications. Even if you rarely use its top speed, the knowledge that it’s available can satisfy any childhood dreams.
