Irish Collector Takes Delivery of Exclusive Bentley Bentayga Apex Edition
Irish collector Mark King adds the exclusive Bentley Bentayga Apex Edition to his collection, one of just 20 handcrafted by Mulliner.
Long-time Bentley enthusiast and collector, Mark King, has recently taken delivery of a unique addition to his impressive collection; the latest Bentayga model, specially crafted for him.
The Apex Edition Bentayga is one of only 20 hand-built examples worldwide, created by Mulliner.
Its distinctive finish mirrors that of his 2023 Le Mans Collection Continental GT, which was designed to commemorate 20 years since Bentley's return to victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2003, following a 73-year absence from the top spot.
Although the Apex Edition Bentayga was available in six carefully selected colour and trim combinations, Mr King's model stands out with its exclusive Verdant Green and Moonbeam finish, which was only available to existing owners of the Le Mans Collection.
Based in Northern Ireland, Mr King is part of a family tradition of passionate and knowledgeable high-performance vehicle collectors. His latest Apex Edition Bentayga joins a fleet that already includes a Bentayga Speed, a rare Continental GT3-R, and a Continental Flying Spur; all of which he drives regularly.
A Bentley owner since 2010, Mr King is a regular participant in the brand’s exclusive owner events. When the opportunity to commission a Le Mans Collection Continental GT in 2023 arose, he eagerly embraced it and, upon the announcement of the Apex Edition Bentayga, was quick to add it to his collection.
His existing Bentayga Speed has clocked over 100,000 miles under his ownership and is frequently used to transport other cars from his extensive garage.
The Apex Edition Bentayga is built on the Bentayga S, the performance flagship of Bentley’s SUV range. It features a 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine producing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds), with a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).
Bentley’s Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering ensure precise handling with minimal roll, while the V8’s exhilarating exhaust note is enhanced by a free-flowing sports exhaust system.
The Apex Edition goes even further in enhancing performance, featuring 22-inch Mulliner carbon wheels that reduce unsprung mass by 44 kg, improving steering agility, alongside carbon-ceramic brakes for exceptionally strong, fade-resistant braking.
As the most performance-oriented and dynamic Bentayga to date, Mr King’s Apex Edition fully embodies its Le Mans-inspired livery.
Launched in 2023 to celebrate Bentley’s sixth victory at Le Mans, the Le Mans Collection Continental GT pays tribute to the black and green livery of the #7 Speed 8 that triumphed in 2003.
Its Verdant Green and Blackline specification is complemented by a Beluga black matrix grille with a painted #7 in Arctica white, alongside black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and striking red brake calipers.
Each of the Le Mans Collection models features a six-wreath emblem inlaid into a high-gloss carbon-fibre fascia, marking Bentley’s six outright victories at Le Mans from 1924 to 2003.
Chris Russell
The interior’s highlight is the innovative Bentley Rotating Display, which reveals a central vitrine containing a piece of the engine valve from the victorious 2003 Speed 8.
