This Bentley goes up for auction and is an exceptional specimen

This special Shooting Brake version of the Continental is known as the Flying Star and started life as a regular Continental GTC convertible. Shortly after being delivered, it was sent to Touring Superleggera and completely overhauled. The transformation into the eye-catching two-door estate you see in the photos cost €343,000 (approx. £285,000) and more than 4,000 hours of work.

Considering that the initial price of the supercar (over £165,000), now that it will go to auction with a value of between £250 and £330,000 the owner will potentially take a loss or earn "very little" despite its rarity.

A unique Bentley

This bespoke Bentley will go on auction in Paris at the beginning of February. Considering that Bentley itself has never built a Shooting Brake, it is truly an exceptional specimen. Touring Superleggera made a bespoke fixed roof and lengthened the doors by a few centimetres.

The rear now features elliptical tail lights and a bespoke tailgate, and the owner has also had a set of luggage made which will be included in the sale.

Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring Superleggera

Photo by: RM Sotheby's

19 examples of the special Flying Star

Touring Superleggera built only 19 examples of the special Flying Star, each with a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 producing 552 PS.

Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring Superleggera, the engine

Photo by: RM Sotheby's

This specific Bentley has covered only 7,467 km (4,640 miles) and appears to be in excellent condition, despite some of the wood veneers looking a little dated. The interior, on the other hand, appears intact.  Painted in a shade of metallic grey, it was finished in late 2009.

Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring Superleggera, the interior

Photo by: RM Sotheby's

More rarities from Touring Superleggera:

Touring Superleggera Arese RH95 debuts to celebrate company's 95th birthday

Ultra-Rare Touring Superleggera visits Jay Leno’s Garage