Continental GT honoured at 'L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo' (The Most Beautiful Car in the World) 2003 Design Awards

Crewe,18th November 2003

Bentley Motors is delighted that its 198mph Continental GT coupe has won another prestigious award, this time the special design award, nominated by the jury of 'L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo' (The Most Beautiful Car in the World) of 2003.

This unique award, gifted by a distinguished Italian jury of car journalists, designers, stylists, and industry luminaries, was made in recognition of 'the development of formal continuity and excellence of workmanship' shown by the Continental GT.

Dirk van Braeckel, design director for Bentley Motors said: 'This is a great honour for us and further recognition that the Continental GT is not just a beautiful car but that it also has captured the essence of the Bentley Spirit. It is also a very important award for us, as the most critical consideration in the styling of the car was that it should not only be forward looking but also utterly faithful to our heritage. This design award is further evidence that we have succeeded in that aim. Also, to receive such a tribute in Italy, a country with an unequalled reputation for style and elegance is particularly pleasing'.

This award follows that given to the series two Arnage by the L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo' panel last year and stands as testimony to the talents of a design department that, since its inception in 1999, has not only restyled the Arnage and designed the Continental GT from scratch, but has also styled a new state limousine for Her Majesty and created a number of show stopping limousines for our Bentley Mulliner Personal Commissioning department.

The award will be formally presented to Bentley Motors at a ceremony at the Milan Triennale on 5 March 2004.