Bentley Continental GT Convertible more than a fair-weather friend

Torque: 605 pound-feet

Wheelbase: 108 inches

Length: 189.7 inches

Curb weight: 5,501 pounds

Cargo capacity: 9.1 cubic feet

EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 12/20 mpg

Base prices: $250,100

As tested: $267,025

We all know that the weather will never get any nicer than this, at least not for another 12 months. So it’s not surprising that car buyers’ thoughts turn to driving topless — driving with the roof lowered, that is. And who could argue the opinion that the perfect vehicle for going topless is the 2015 Bentley Continental GT Convertible?

Of course, it’s easy for a car as exquisite as the Continental to be the star of the show when the weather is this lovely. The car’s classically elegant looks and effortless manner make you and the car the highlight of any automotive road show. But the fact of the matter is that I live and work in Vermont. And my test drive actually occurred in January.

OK, you can pity me for having bad timing, but the real test of a truly great convertible comes not when the top is down. After all, even the most mediocre car seems wonderful with the sun in the sky, the wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth. No, the true assessment comes when the top is raised and the weather is lousy. And in January, in Vermont, it is.

So you really have to wonder what they slipped in the tea at Bentley. Why send the most muscular version of the Continental GT Convertible to the frozen north? With a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine producing 626 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque, there’s enough thrust to propel the car to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and continue to a top speed of 203 mph. What possible good could it be in a place that has measurable snowfall seven months of the year?

Yes, exercising all of those ponies is ferociously fun this time of year, especially up here, where finding a perfect country road is easy. The eight-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually. And while this is entertaining, given the engine’s massive amount of horsepower, it’s unnecessary. The car’s speed is possible thanks to more than the extra ponies; Bentley also lowered the car’s ride height and stiffened the electronically controlled damping and steering systems. Optional carbon ceramic disc brakes are offered in place of the standard iron discs to improve the already impressive stopping ability.

And need I say that it’s pure joy? Of course not. Whatever performance parameter you can mention — be it speed, handling or ride comfort — the Bentley Continental GT Speed excels. But I am sure that even if you didn’t know that, you assumed it.

Still, you have to wonder what such a speed demon is like in the dead of winter.

So did I. But it was January, and the crystal blue sky that promised worry-free driving soon darkened. The wind was soon howling and a curtain of snow soon blanketed the ground. Given what I had parked in the garage, I did what few owners of a quarter million dollar convertible would do; I took it out in the midst of a truly epic, if typical, New England winter storm.

Surprised? Don’t be. It made as much sense as taking out any other vehicle.

After all, this Bentley weighs more than 6,000 pounds, as much or more than many “rugged” SUVs. However, just like them, it has all-wheel drive, and its ride height can be raised. Finally, it rides on 21-inch tires, in this case studded snows. Toss in the fact that Bentley’s scrumptious leather thrones were heated — as was the steering wheel — and you have a grand touring car that is no fair-weather friend.

Out into raging snow squalls I drove, traversing snow and ice as if it didn’t exist. The car’s multiplicity of systems insures that the shiny side of the car stays upright and on the road. In fact, despite my best attempts, it was nearly impossible to get the Bentley slip or slide.

By the time I was finished with it, the Arabica-colored Bentley was encrusted in white salt residue, a testimony to its superb performance. Other than needing a good wash, it survived Vermont’s worst weather, emerging unscathed. And while I expected the car to perform well while weathering winter’s wrath, I didn’t anticipate that the Continental GT Speed would tackle it as easily as it does screaming down the Autobahn at 175 mph. It is a truly remarkable feat.

By providing the ultimate summer car in the heart of winter, Bentley has proven that it makes the finest grand touring car available at any price, one that laughs at the weather, while allowing you to laugh with delight while driving it.

So go ahead and buy one now; you’ll love it. But you’ll adore it just as much come winter.