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10 August 2020

Too poor for a real Bentley? Buy one of these awesome scale models!

By Matt CampbellMatt Campbell
  • The 1:8 scale model costs $12,760... that's nothing more than chump change. The 1:8 scale model costs $12,760... that's nothing more than chump change.
  • What is this? A car for ants? What is this? A car for ants?
  • Tthe 1:8 model has the option of customisable paint, veneers and seat trim finishes. Tthe 1:8 model has the option of customisable paint, veneers and seat trim finishes.

Bentley cars are exclusive. You need to be among the wealthiest people on the planet to be able to afford a new one. Like, the Continental GT starts at just over $400,000.

And that's fine. But what if you really, really need to scratch that Bentley itch - and you just don't have the funds for it? Well, the UK luxury brand has come up with a range of ultra affordable (ahem, depending on who you ask) scale-model takes on one of its most popular cars.

The new Continental GT scale model can be ordered in three sizes: the 1:8 scale version which has more than 1000 pieces and takes 300 hours to construct - it costs £6995 (AUD $12,760); the 1:43 version is considerably more wallet-friendly at £85 (AUD $155); while the budget bit is the 1:64 version, at £12 ($21.90).

It's the 1:8 model that's the real focus, though - it has the option of customisable paint, veneers and seat trim finishes. But at the same price as a near-new Kia Picanto (and a few cans of spray paint from Bunnings and 10 metres of fabric from Lincraft), I think I know where I'd be spending my money.