DEMAND for the drop top Bentley Continental GTC is in the fast lane before the luxury car even makes its debut on the road.

Dealerships across the country are already reporting strong interest in the Crewe-built dream machine with customers ready to spend £130,000 on a flash set of wheels.

The GTC, made at the Pym's Lane plant, is set to become the fastest convertible in the world, with top speeds of 190mph.

It is proving a hit with driving fanatics who want to enjoy the open road with the wind in their hair.

Although it is not due to arrive in showrooms until later this year, deal-erships are already taking orders.

Bentley Manchester, the manufacturer's official dealership for the North West, has taken more than 120 initial deposits for the 552bhp car and is expecting more to follow.

Managing director Jon Crossley said: ''The arrival of a new Bentley is always likely to elicit strong interest as they are exciting and iconic British cars.

'However, the reaction to the Continental GTC from existing owners across the North West who are immensely loyal to the marque, as well as the high percentage of prospective customers who will be new to the Bentley experience, has been notably impressive.

'The encouraging numbers of deposits suggests this new car's craftsmanship, styling and performance credentials have struck a chord with people.

'And from a business standpoint we're hoping it will create the right conditions for additional employment opportunities as well as widening the number of suppliers we work with.'

The GTC - capable of 195mph when the roof is raised - was unveiled at the New York International Automobile Show in April.

Summer sunshine has triggered a flurry of direct orders to the Crewe manufacturing plant. The waiting list now stands at 3,500.

The car completes the company's Bentley Continental range following the introduction of the Continental GT in 2003 and four-door Continental Flying Spur last year.

After a massive recruitment drive, the company has centralised production in Crewe, ending fears it would be switched to the Volkswagen 'Glass Factory' in Dresden, Germany.

It made the announcement earlier this year, marking 60 years of luxury car manufacture in Crewe and a workforce which now tops the 4,000 mark.