Shortly after the Continental Flying Star was unveiled at the Geneva motor show back in March 2010, Classic Driver was lucky enough to visit Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera to see the luxurious shooting brake on its home ground.

Just 19 cars were planned for production and we’ve now heard that the third of these is already nearing completion. With no shortage of customers, Touring has now invested in tooling, technology and an additional workforce, with the aim of having five units in production at any one time. Customers will take delivery of their Flying Star within six months, despite the 4000 man-hours required by the highly experienced team of craftsmen.

Each Continental Flying Star, based on the Bentley Continental GTC, is built precisely to the customer’s personal specifications. Power outputs range from 560 to 630PS, but the customisation goes far deeper than that. The owner of Flying Star no.2, for example, needed space for both his family and dog: hence the luggage compartment was lowered by an extra six centimetres. And, of course, there’s a water bowl for the dog in coordinated leather trim.

The personalisation doesn’t result in any difficulties when it comes to servicing or insurance, however. As Piero Mancardi, CEO of Touring, points out: “The compliance with Bentley Motors’ quality and engineering standard allows for warranty and service through the regular Bentley dealer network.”

For further information on Touring Superleggera, see www.touringsuperleggera.eu.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photo: Jan Baedeker