Talk me out of a Conti GT (1st gen)

[RMDB9]

I already have a DB9 which ticks all the boxes: British, rare, leather, auto box, 12 pots, not old not new. As we all know, only the super-stylish people like James Bond and I drive Astons. Clarkson approves it, too.

Now I am lusting after a 1st gen Conti GT, in bright silver with red leather, or in navy with magnolia, alternatively in grey with magnolia, brown or tan leather. 19" wheels. As we all know, only footballers and pub landlords drive them, they break all the time and the GBP 2,99 vacuum tube requires a GBP 10,000 engine out job. Etc.

Why do I want one? Please tell me!

[epom]

Get 2 of them.

[hairy v]

Having just watched the "Great Hunt", I am entirely with you on this dilemma.

[Stick Legs]

I feel your pain.

Everything in my waters says NO!

Every time I see one I think Yes!

Watching the informed comments with interest.

[rjfp1962]

I think the footballers have moved on, so their cool now..!

[NDA]

I owned a Vanquish and Conti GT at the same time.... The Vanquish was better looking, the Conti was the better car (by far).

However, they sort of eclipsed each other in the garage - too similar, same sort of car really. But, if you want one, you should buy one, a Bentley is a great motorway muncher and a fine place to sit.

[Cimaguy]

Think of the financial ruin. It will cost you the earth to run.

[RMDB9]

You are right! Maybe I should PCP a BMW instead.

[WightGT]

I ran a 54 plate GT for 10 years and 96,000 miles and sold it in 2017 for less than 20k. Buy a similar car and replace the vacuum tube and alternator and anything else that bothers you while the engine is out and you will be ready for the next 100,000 miles.

[Speculatore]

I went from a Manual DB9 that had extensive 'Performance enhancing' work carried out by Bamford Rose - (Project Blofeld) to a 2010 GT Speed (Series 51).

The car was great to drive and very comfortable and would have been the perfect car to drive to Monaco and back. However, I found it too quiet and certainly let you know it weighed 2 ton when driving in a 'Spirited' fashon. I had a Larini sports exhaust fitted and secondary decat and remapped to 705bhp which certainly ticked the noise box and even greater performance. BUT.... I couldn't drive it like I did the DB9.

I suppose it depends on what you want it for. I love to drive and the noise that a 12 cylinder car makes so looking back wish I had kept the DB9.

Cost wise I didn't notice much difference in costs, service, tyres etc but I was fortunate and nothing went wrong with either car so no major bills.

I know there were some issues with early Conti GT's that should have been ironed out by now but I would go for the latest reg possible and certainly a reputable service history. (I have just checked and my GT Speed is still for sale at the garage I sold it to).

[galtezza]

I think theyre a lovely thing apart from that passenger view of a slab mass of walnut or piano black, i just couldnt live with that or putting my passenger with that view.

apart from that i think they’re gorgeous, the exterior hasnt aged that badly, never gave a damn about the footballer thing, i would have had one at the time had i been in the position.

But now the Interior in the gen 3 is sorted i think it is just perfect in & out.

I’m poised, as soon as they drop to 100k i’m there, the only thing id swap our S63 for (which i adore)

[jeyjey]

I'm with you on the Gen 3. The Flying Spur is so transformed inside & out that I might not even miss the Mulsanne....

[galtezza]

jeyjey said:

I'm with you on the Gen 3. The Flying Spur is so transformed inside & out that I might not even miss the Mulsanne....

Yes, never liked the old flying spur, the gen 3 shape suits transforms to 4 doors much much better, yet to see one in person though.

[mattman]

WightGT said:

I ran a 54 plate GT for 10 years and 96,000 miles and sold it in 2017 for less than 20k. Buy a similar car and replace the vacuum tube and alternator and anything else that bothers you while the engine is out and you will be ready for the next 100,000 miles.

Is the vacuum tube a ‘one off’ job - I.e. once it’s been replaced, it’s unlikely to need it again? Am currently looking at GT’s in the 04-06 age band with around 80k on them, appreciate they will throw bills, but trying to shortlist cars on evidence of the common failure points already fixed.
Part of me wants to think that if it’s lasted 15 years already, it should be relatively good to continue...

[pancholi]

I currently have a DB9, Arnage and a several other cars.
I think the Continental is a nice place to be.
However whenever I take the Arnage to my specialist, it reminds me why I have not bought a Conti.
the garage is littered with them, each repair costing £1000++++....
but we all have an itch to scratch.....

[Cimaguy]

pancholi said:

I currently have a DB9, Arnage and a several other cars.
I think the Continental is a nice place to be.
However whenever I take the Arnage to my specialist, it reminds me why I have not bought a Conti.
the garage is littered with them, each repair costing £1000++++....
but we all have an itch to scratch.....

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

These cars are ridiculous. What lame engineering. It's all engine out for most of the repairs.

Aren't the newer cars rock solid though? Especially the 4.0 engines which are smaller and easier to access so lower costs?

[pancholi]

Cimaguy said:

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

These cars are ridiculous. What lame engineering. It's all engine out for most of the repairs.

Aren't the newer cars rock solid though? Especially the 4.0 engines which are smaller and easier to access so lower costs?

4.0 very nice in terms of engineering, maintenance, overall package.
prices are now levelling out
i would be very interested in one, but already have a DB9.