The Bentley Boys

When you can consider paying $250,000 for a car — it must be sunny somewhere and that’s where you’ll need the new Bentley Continental GT V8 convertible.

Since a 1998 rescue by Volkswagen, Bentley has regained its venerable standing. For the first half of this year Bentley North American sales were up 13 percent, delivering 1,282 cars to its biggest single market. And in other key territories like the Middle East, Russia, Japan and Europe, Bentley sales are grew this year — mostly upwards of 20 percent.

With the heritage of dominating the European Grand Prix circuits in 20’s and 30’s — the company has burnished its racing credibility with a decisive win at the 2003 24 Hours of Lemans and a just announced entry in the Gulf 12 Hour endurance race in Abu Dhabi in December.

A recent test drive of the Bentley GTC delivered high marks for wow factor, amazing agility, superb craftsmanship and comfort. And the new convertible sports a more efficient and spritely performing 500 horsepower V8 engine.

Ultimately with a Bentley — like other cars in this class — the price of passion is not a standard measure of value.