Bentley recently previewed an image and a video of a Continental GT with painted racing number, marking 100 years since the firm's formation. The special-edition centenary model is inspired by a historic racing car and will be unveiled at March's Geneva motor show.

It features a large white number 9 painted across a black grille, harking back to the firm's iconic 1930 4 1/2 Litre 'Blower' Bentley 24 Hours of Le Mans racing car. The video, showing that car in action in historic footage, confirms the theory.

The special edition car is expected to feature a number of racing-inspired details further to this, but they have yet to be revealed. Expect it to be powered by the 6.0-litre W12 engine, with the potential for a power increase and suspension revisions to reflect its racing pedigree.

The No.9 Bentley 'Blower' was powered by a 4.4-litre, inline-four, supercharged engine and enjoyed relatively little racing success. It's famous, however, for being the favoured Bentley of legendary racer Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin. Birkin achieved the fastest lap of the 1930 race by passing a rival Mercedes on the grass at speeds over 201kph, before the rear tyre blew and Birkin was forced to retire. 

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