A garage accessory worth nearly $500k: What the new Bentley convertible will cost you

How much money would you need in the bank to guarantee true happiness? In a recent study Harvard University researchers claimed it’s around $10 million. Of course they were wrong. The official price of joy is $464,600, the cost of a Bentley Continental GT Convertible in your garage.

You’re not just buying a car when you invest in a drop-top, you’re buying an experience. And Bentley’s third-generation luxury cruiser takes the whole adventure towards the borders of what’s possible in this rarified sector.

The GT Convertible is a brilliant prospect even with the roof up. We went traditional for about 20 minutes and the Bentley was effortlessly serene, thanks in part to a Z-fold roof that gives a three-decibel noise reduction over the previous model, and silky air suspension. Corners are dispatched with regal poise.

The Bentley’s understated theatre begins as soon as that tailored roof dissolves with barely a mechanical whisper, in just 19 seconds.

Grand Tourers are designed to facilitate long, comfortable journeys, yet losing the roof doesn’t spoil the Bentley’s unhurried personality. The cabin is a relatively peaceful cocoon at most speeds. At around 120km/h, roof down, it’s still possible to have a conversation.

In styling terms, the GT Convertible is an upgrade on its predecessor, with a more muscular, brooding presence. Relaxed refinement is enhanced by the Bentley-fication of the leather and veneer interior – all hand-crafted, naturally. The door panels and seats are part-coated with quilted leather, and there is a choice of 15 hide colours.

Cold weather can’t spoil the party, either; neck warmers are built discreetly into chrome vents in the seats, while your back, behind and even the centre armrest can be heated, too.

If all this suggests the GT Convertible is too mannered, it will have a trick up its sleeve when it’s launched in May: a “Sport” setting that siphons the best from its mighty 467kW/900Nm W12 engine. Once found, it can’t be forgotten.

Happy days indeed.

Where to park it

There is a choice of six car spaces in this vast Vaucluse pile on Hopetoun Avenue, designed by Harold Finger.

That leaves plenty of options to park your Bentley Convertible when the sun isn’t shining.

The other five spots provide room for the rest of your car collection, along with bike options if desired.

Michael Finger of Ray White Double Bay is taking the home to auction on March 28, and is quoting a bidding guide of $6 million.