2005 Bentley Flying Spur

This 2005 model is one of those early c.1000 Flying Spurs built in Germany. Once the back log had been cleared and demand met, production reverted solely to Bentley’s traditional home factory in Crewe, but that didn’t happen until 2006. Though it shares much of its platform with VW’s contemporary flagship, (Phaeton), the Flying Spur differs in many crucial ways, not least its upgraded 552bhp W12 engine. That monster motor manages to give this 2475kg Bentley an astonishing 0-60mph sprint time of just 5.5 seconds. Flat out, it’ll do 194mph. Later Speed versions of the Flying Spur could even crack the double ton.

Maintained by a mix of English and Welsh Bentley main dealers since new, this behemoth of a saloon appears to have wanted for nothing. There are a number of bills in the service history, though many aren’t as intimidatingly large as you’d expect. That’s because it’s been used sparingly by its four former keepers – the mileage is currently standing at just under 40k.

Finished with an exceptional attention to detail and mirror-like shine in Dark Sapphire Pearl, this fearsome four-door Bentley still looks every bit the six-figure motor car. Panels close and doors shut with the uniform perfection of gap that we’ve come to expect from the combination of top-tier German and British manufacturing collaboration. The Magnolia hide interior exudes quality with a similar level of finish, placing this machine at the very top of the premium tree.

The condition of this example is in keeping with its considerable original purchase price. Thankfully all of its former keepers have clearly doted upon it and treated it with the respect demanded of such a luxurious machine. There are very few marks anywhere on this Bentley to give the game away that it’s now more than a decade and a half old. Being very picky we did spot some tiny specs of surface corrosion appearing in the gap between the bottom of the front offside wing and the top of the sill. The offside front tyre also appeared to be a little down on psi, possibly indicating a slow puncture. Other than these points the exterior condition remains highly presentable.

Going quickly has only ever been a part of the Bentley recipe. Royalty-shaming opulence is just as important and this Flying Spur can certainly manage the latter. Cabin appointments in this uber saloon can still shame brand new so-called luxury machines. There’s quad zone climate control with centre vents and individual controls for both rear-seat passengers. Those in the back can also electrically adjust their pews via discreetly hidden switches under burr walnut-covered panels, beneath the centre armrest. There are even buttons here to heat or chill one’s seat base. Said seats, and their matching cream door cards, appear near new. Vast areas of cream hide are contrasted beautifully by deep, shining solid burr walnut wood.

Deep blue pile carpets welcome the feet and remain looking splendid. There’s also an attractive analogue Breitling timepiece in the dashboard. Adaptive damping is controlled by a shock absorber button in the centre console and yet for such a premium machine there’s a pleasing lack of peripheral buttons. A modern saloon’s cabin in this price range has become more like the flight deck of your average airliner, but this era of Bentley keeps things simple. There are discreet shift paddles and a sequential-type + and – setting for manually overriding the transmission. If you’d simply prefer to sit back and relax then the addition of the massage function to the front seats is a welcome one. The only minor flaws we could find in here were a few oily marks to the driver’s inner door handle and a crack in the centre-console-mounted, driver’s seat base air-conditioner switch.

There’s really very little to tell about the underside of this Bentley. It’s all in as expected condition, clean, tidy and largely as it left the factory. Though we did note some corrosion to the steel fuel tank straps at the back. All fasteners, clips and trim appear to be in place, though we did notice a solitary rubber bung is no longer in place at the back of the offside floor. Other than these minute points, the underside seems to be as good as the top.

Supplied new by Straight Eight Bentley in the New Forest, this Spur arrived with a tracker fitted, which we have to assume remains in place (but couldn’t confirm). After the first annual service, care passed to Bentley Hampshire who were entrusted to look after this Flying Spur for its first 25k miles. At 26,880 miles it moves across the UK to Cardiff where the Welsh capitol’s Bentley dealer carries out the vital 6-year service. Cardiff Bentley also carries out a further two annual inspections. From 2016 to 2019 this Spur found its way back to Bentley Hampshire for three further ‘small services’. These service stamps are backed up by invoices from the relevant dealerships. Invoices from outside the dealer network include one for a £168 Yuasa battery at the end of 2019 and another for a Bluetooth phone integration kit from Grom Audio for £175.97. 

Opulence and performance at this level never comes cheap. Though at our estimate of between £18,000 - £25,000 this Bentley certainly goes a long way towards making financial sense. New, this Flying Spur would have cost its first owner the thick end of £150k, when adjusted for inflation, that’s considerably more than even the current Spur costs. Though £20k remains a substantial amount of money, you can certainly see how far it goes with this example.

The list of luxury four-door vehicles that can match or even exceed the performance of most sports cars (even new ones) for just £20k is certainly a small one. Factor in this car’s condition, low mileage and solid history and that list becomes even shorter still.

Viewing is always encouraged and this car is located with the seller in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’