Shortly after it launched the Bentley Continental GT in 2003, the grand old British company found it had quite a nice problem to deal with. The car was so popular that, despite its £120,000 price tag, it was a runaway sales success. People were so keen on it that on some street corners in London it was a more common sight than black cabs. And that was where the problem lay: how can it be exclusive and commonplace at the same time?

Bentley’s solution arrived in May 2006, with the new Bentley Continental GTC, a roadster for the rich that commanded a premium of about £10,000 over the coupé. If Bentley thought that would place the convertible out of reach of the many, it was mistaken, however, for it rapidly became as popular as the coupé, particularly so with Premier League footballers.

Today, prices for second-hand GTCs remain strong. Used examples start at £65,000 and in general will cost between £15,000 and £20,000 more than an equivalent coupé.

Sharing its mechanicals with the GT gives the GTC the performance to back up its pose factor. With a top speed of 195mph and a 0-60mph time of just 4.8sec from its 552bhp engine, the GTC will outstrip almost anything else on the road.

But to focus on flat-out performance would be to miss the point. The power is there to ensure effortless wafting ability, not joyriding thrills. With the triple-lined roof in place you could be forgiven for thinking you are in a coupé, so hushed is the cabin.

The GTC weighs about 150kg more than the standard coupé and invests most of that extra mass in strengthening the core structure — vital if it is to avoid scuttle shake. Bentley also revised the rear suspension and added a wider range of settings, the softest giving a true magic-carpet ride.

The hood mechanism eats into rear legroom and boot space: at just 235 litres for the latter, the GTC struggles to accommodate more than a few overnight bags. Still, the powerful heating and ventilation system makes drop-top motoring a realistic option all year round (as long as it’s not raining). And while you’re at it, why not sample the stereo system? The multi-disc CD player has Knebworth levels of power.

Fast, beautiful and refined, the GTC not only builds on the success of the Continental GT but offers owners the additional attraction of open-top motoring in one of the world’s most accomplished cars.

Owner's view

“I’ve had several Bentleys but the GTC still feels like a novelty to drive. I’ll keep it for a long time.”

Mark King, Somerset

Vital Statistics

Model Bentley GTC

Engine 5998cc, 12 cylinders, twin turbo

Power 552bhp

Transmission Six-speed auto

Fuel 17mpg (combined)

Acceleration 0-60mph: 4.8sec

Top Speed 195mph

CO2 396g/km

Road tax band M (£405 a year)

Cost new now £130,500

The one to buy

A 2006 06 Bentley GTC with 20,000 miles on the clock. Pay £71,500 at a dealer or £66,000 privately

or for similar money

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2005 05 Ferrari 360M Spider

2005 56 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

2007 57 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

2008 57 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG