Highlights
- First owned by Sir Elton John
- Custom 14 speaker audio system
- Full service history
- Ideal for Driving Home
- Beautiful condition inside and out
- 6.75 litre V8 so goes like a Rocket, Man
The Appeal
The Bentley Continental R was a special car, Made in England and not just the Emperor’s New Clothes but the first model since the ‘60s not to share a shell with Rolls Royce, but this particular car is even more special thanks to its first owner being car mad music icon Sir Elton John, who took the bespoke nature of the Continental to a new level with the custom hi-fi install featuring 14 speakers (that we have found) and multiple amps all hidden or installed to look like factory fitment.
The Continental R was, along with the Mulsanne Turbo, the beginning of Bentley’s rejuvenation offering the a new level of performance with exclusive super luxury.
The History and Paperwork
- Paperwork in Sir Elton John’s management company name
- Letter from previous owner stating it was bought from there
- Factory service book brimming with stamps
- MOT until December
- Many receipts for service and maintenance
- Will return to original number plate K93 UPE
- Private plate '55 VV' is not included in the sale
Bought new in August 1992 by Sir Elton John, via his management company William A Bong Limited, and he kept it for four years until November 1996 when the previous owner bought the car, keeping it until now.
The Bentley was supplied by Weybridge Automobiles who serviced it until 1999, when the book stamps and service receipts move to Axtell Rolls Royce and Bentley specialists in Guildford through to 2017, and the most recent stamp is from Royce Engineering, also in Surrey, in March 2021. There are many receipts for the service work as well as additional repairs such as window seals in 2006, ignition switch in 2014 and a door lock in 2019 At two years old and at 2956 miles, the speedo and digital display until were changed and in 2002 the gearbox replaced under warranty.
The Bentley was supplied by Weybridge Automobiles who serviced it until 1999, when the book stamps and service receipts move to Axtell Rolls Royce and Bentley specialists in Guildford through to 2017, and the most recent stamp is from Royce Engineering, also in Surrey, in March 2021. There are many receipts for the service work as well as additional repairs such as window seals in 2006, ignition switch in 2014 and a door lock in 2019 At two years old and at 2956 miles, the speedo and digital display until were changed and in 2002 the gearbox replaced under warranty.
The Interior
- Sumptuous leather interior
- Seats have been recoloured as original
- Excellent condition
- Incredible sound system
The cabin is a mix of grey leather and carpet and rich burr walnut trim and is in fantastic condition, deeply padded upholstery for supreme comfort with finest quality hide seats. The seat leather and possibly door cards have been recoloured in the original shade so look excellent with only slight patina to the surface. The front seats feature a useful switch on at the top of the side bolster so rear seat Passengers to slide the chair forward.
The leather continues to the doors, dash, centre console and every the headlining and looks lovely with very few marks around the interior.
This is set off beautifully by the swathes of wood trim, rich in colour and grain pattern and with a deep lustrous shine. The door caps have some small marks and on the darker tops the lacquer has cracked at the back.
The heavy chrome of the door furniture and dashboard fittings is in superb shape as are the black leather steering wheel and gear shifter - mounted in the centre rather than a column shifter for a more sporty feel. The grey carpet has been protected by the thick lambs wool mats, and both are in great shape.
This is set off beautifully by the swathes of wood trim, rich in colour and grain pattern and with a deep lustrous shine. The door caps have some small marks and on the darker tops the lacquer has cracked at the back.
The heavy chrome of the door furniture and dashboard fittings is in superb shape as are the black leather steering wheel and gear shifter - mounted in the centre rather than a column shifter for a more sporty feel. The grey carpet has been protected by the thick lambs wool mats, and both are in great shape.
The hidden highlight of the interior is the audio install. Edged in grey leather and with dark grey grills, there are 14 MB Quart speakers hidden around the cabin. Two in each door, two in each rear side panel, tweeters in the dash and subs in the parcel shelf, even a pair of speakers in the sides of the centre console. No matter what your musical taste, this is the perfect place to enjoy Your Song. Hidden behind a panel in the boot are a trio of amplifiers to power the speakers, and aside from the odd mark in the carpet, the luggage area is very tidy.
The Exterior
- Excellent paint
- Unblemished body panels
- Lovely brightwork
- Recent Michelin tyres
- Great alloys
Finished in a dark metallic hue, I Guess Thats Why They Call it Midnight Blue, the paint is excellent with only a few stone chips in the finish and small marks on the bumper corners. The Continental's design hides its size well - its over 5.3 metres long and 2 metres wide but doesn’t look as large as that when viewed separately from lesser cars. The gently curving panels are virtually flawless, flat and smooth finish and excellent shut lines. The doors clunk shut in that heavy way only a car of this nature can manage.
The factory alloy wheels are present and in excellent shape with almost no marks and the cost of a new set of 17” tyres Wont Go Breaking Your Heart as a fresh set of Michelin Latitude Sport 3’s have recently been fitted. The chrome grille and door handles along with the stainless bumper inserts and other brightwork all have deep shines and no pitting.
The Mechanics
- Feel The Power of a 6.75 litre V8
- Gearbox replaced in 2002
- Big service history
This Bentley has been well looked after, with its factory service book stamped almost every year and a sheaf of receipts for other work. The speedo was changed at 2956 miles so this should be added to the cars displayed total and the automatic gearbox changed under warranty in 2002.
The engine fires up straight away and the gears select smoothly. It has adequate power, maybe enough to leave you Wide Eyed and Laughing, and the power assisted steering feels very light for such a large car. Looking under the bonnet, there are no signs of fluid leaks from oil, coolant or transmission.
The engine fires up straight away and the gears select smoothly. It has adequate power, maybe enough to leave you Wide Eyed and Laughing, and the power assisted steering feels very light for such a large car. Looking under the bonnet, there are no signs of fluid leaks from oil, coolant or transmission.
Summary
Not only is this a beautiful car inside and out, its celebrity past and related audio upgrades make this car unique. The metallic midnight blue suits it perfectly and the grey interior is period perfect 1990s. With great service history and a lot of expenditure having been spent on this great car to continue to enjoy as it has been.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
