1997 Bentley Continental R
Highlights
- Fabulous colour combination: British Racing Green over Spruce Green and Champagne hides with Conifer Green lambswool rugs
- One of just 1,236 Continental Rs built
- Advisory-free MOT valid until 29th October 2024
- Just four registered keepers in 27 years: current owner for last 10 years who now wants to buy a (Bentley) convertible
- Major service conducted only 4,000 miles ago by a Bentley specialist
The Appeal
Since 1965, every Bentley had shared its body with Rolls-Royce, but all that was about to change when in 1991, they launched the beautiful Continental R. With pronounced muscular haunches and svelte lines, the Continental R set the blueprint for the marque's future design language and marks the peak of their hand-built era.
The innovation didn't stop at the looks either. Its turbocharged V8 was so reliable that Bentley continued to use it until 2010, and by 1997, power had increased from 325 to 385 bhp following the installation of a Zytek engine management system. The front seats are the same as those fitted in the Azure with integrated seat belts, it incorporates small mesh vents below the headlights and a laser-cut diamond matrix radiator grille with revised alloy wheels and minor rounded bumper changes. All in all, a very pretty car indeed.
At the time, there was no doubting the prestigious nature of the Continental R. It was the most expensive production car on the market, it was the fastest car Bentley had ever built, and such was its exclusivity that only 1,854 were ever built.
This particular example has been cherished by its current owner since 2014. It comes to us in a very fetching shade of British Racing Green, complemented by sumptuous Spruce Green and Champagne hides and Conifer Green lambswool rugs. The car has been regularly used and well-maintained, with a major service conducted at 150,000 miles by a Bentley specialist. The advisory-free MOT runs until 29th October 2024, so this car is ready to be enjoyed.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 11th September 1997
- Chassis number 63049
- Four registered keepers from new - current owner since May 2014
- Regularly serviced and maintained by Bentley specialists; Oslo Court Garage in St. John's Wood, Nigel Sandell in Isleworth and Hanwells of London W7
- New battery and alarm control unit fitted in 2022
- Major service completed 4,000 miles ago.
- New starter motor fitted in 2023
- Full complement of service documentation from 2008 onwards
The Condition
- Stunning BRG paintwork which is still in fantastic order
- On the inside, we find spruce and champagne hides which are beautifully preserved
- Conifer Green lambswool rugs add a further dimension of luxury
- All the walnut fascias and trims are in good order with an attractive grain
- The boot is clean and well-kept with the unused original overalls, gloves, full tool kit and a fire extinguisher
- Equipped with 255/55 Michelin tyres fitted less than 4,000 miles ago (as no Avons available in the UK at the time)
- The vendor points out superficial front chips and a small scuff/mark on the lower front bumper
- Clean underside and engine compartment
- Light mark to centre armrest
The Mechanics
- 6.75-litre turbocharged Bentley V8
- 4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic transmission
- The latest MOT recorded no advisories
- We understand the car to be driving perfectly with no issues
- The vendor comments that it drives beautifully and regularly makes the journey from London out into the countryside and abroad - hence mileage of 154,000
- Year 1997
- Make Bentley
- Model Continental R
- Colour Green
- Mileage 154,283 Miles
- Engine size 6750
- Seller Type Private
- County London
- Country United Kingdom
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Auction ends
- nick64•••• £26,000 29/02/24
- dmc.lov•••• £25,750 29/02/24
- nick64•••• £25,500 29/02/24
- dmc.lov•••• £25,250 29/02/24
- John Ma•••• £25,000 27/02/24
- rick-ha•••• £24,500 26/02/24
- MrSJD•••• £24,000 26/02/24
- John Ma•••• £23,000 26/02/24
- MrSJD•••• £22,000 25/02/24
- stevefe•••• £21,500 25/02/24
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