A wealthy collector orders a one-of-a-kind Bentley Bentayga Le Mans

What better than a unique Bentayga, a tribute to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to complete a prestigious Bentley collection?

Mark King, a passionate Bentley collector for many years, has just added an exceptional piece to his garage: a fully customized Bentayga Apex Edition. Limited to only 20 units worldwide, this extraordinary SUV is based on the Bentayga S, a sporty model powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine developing 550 horsepower. That’s enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach speeds up to 290 km/h. Equipped with 22-inch carbon wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride technology, this Bentayga Apex pushes the boundaries of combining high-level comfort with dynamic performance.

The version ordered by Mark King features an exclusive livery immediately recognizable with Verdant green paint and Moonbeam stripes, a direct homage to Bentley entries in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This specific configuration is part of the “Le Mans Collection 2023,” previously reserved for the Continental GT, created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Speed 8 victory in 2003. Inside, you find a sporty yet refined ambiance, with Beluga leather, Dinamica fabric, and red Hotspur stitching.

When Bentley’s Heart Beat at Le Mans

Bentley’s history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is truly iconic. It began in 1924 with the victory of the Bentley 3 Litre. Followed by five other wins between 1927 and 1930, cementing the “Bentley Boys” legend in racing history. Iconic models like the 4½ Litre, the Speed Six, and the 6½ Litre then dominated endurance racing worldwide. After a long hiatus, partly due to World War II, and after nearly disappearing, Bentley was acquired by Audi and made a notable return to Le Mans in 2001. Two years later, in 2003, the British brand once again claimed victory with the EXP Speed 8, 73 years after its last win.

It is this glorious heritage that Bentley celebrates regularly through limited editions like the Le Mans Collection. Each vehicle pays tribute to the six victories of the brand in Sarthe and embodies the unique fusion of luxury and performance that defines the manufacturer.

This unique example, handcrafted by Mulliner, the customization division of the manufacturer, adds to an already prestigious collection. Irish native Mark King is not an ordinary collector. He already owns a Bentayga Speed, a Continental GT3-R, and a Flying Spur, and regularly uses his vehicles. His Bentayga Speed has surpassed 160,000 km and is often used for towing other pieces of his collection. A loyal Bentley customer since 2010 and frequent attendee at private Bentley events, he did not hesitate for a second to order this homage model upon its announcement.

By adding this Bentayga Apex Edition to his garage, Mark King continues a pursuit driven by passion and loyalty to the Bentley spirit, while keeping alive the memory of a racing record that has marked automotive history.

READ ALSO: Is it crazy to recreate a pre-war Bentley?