Highlights
- 3 previous owners
- Less than 50,000 miles from new
- Full service history
- Beautiful leather interior
- Extended wheelbase – much more legroom
- Looked after well by previous owners
The Appeal
The Continental R is a luxurious car with a powerplant that might cause a surprise with its performance. This example is the extended wheelbase version which means there is a bit more legroom for your important passengers in the rear. When you twin this with the amazing interior condition, everyone will want to travel in your new Bentley.
This example appears to have been looked after well throughout its life and as such, it is presented in lovely condition for you to enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- Purchased by the first owner on the 19th of February 1997 the car was then delivered to Broughtons
- By the time of its first service in June of 1997 the car is in Sheffield
- The service history with the car is pretty good
- With the most recent stamp being from 2011 at 43,231 miles
- The service book is also accompanied by the original Turbo R handbook
- There are a couple of invoices present in the paperwork
- One of them from January 2022 shows two new alarm remotes being issued
- There is also the most recent MOT certificate
- It is now your chance to add to this car’s history
The Interior
- Lovely cream leather with contrasting piping
- Amazing wood additions
- High-end finishes throughout
If you like your Bentley products of this age then the interior may look and feel familiar, but this is not a bad observation, because everything you could ever need is easily to hand. On the other hand, if you have never entered a Bentley of this era, then you’re in for an excellent experience.
Fitted up front are two electrically operated and heated leather seats. Finished in exquisite cream leather the blue piping adds a nice contrasting detail. These two seats are in very good condition showing now obvious jean stains. The base of the driver’s seat does show some very slight marking, but this might come out with a bit of elbow grease and some leather cleaner. This does not affect the use of comfort of this seat, however, and you should be more than happy to hop in and go for a long drive.
Moving to look at the rear seats we can see that these too are presented very well. Light leather can sometimes be a magnet for unwanted marks, but these have been preserved well. These rear seats will be an excellent place to chauffer around your passengers.
Sticking with the rear section, we can see that there is a beautiful wool over mat. Stretching the length of the rear it adds another level of luxury to this already impressive interior. Your passengers will also note the amount of space back here. Being the extended wheelbase, the rear seats benefit from a larger space between the seats. Making any drive comfortable for all.
Making our way back into the front of the cabin we are presented with some amazing 90s features. Unlike modern Bentleys, the majority of the dials are all analogue and well curated within the wooden centre console. From battery voltage to engine temperature these dials are easily visible just so you can keep an eye on all of the vital driving information.
The condition of the wood on the dash, centre console, and door cards, is very good indeed. It has retained its nice and shiny varnish over the years since it was built, and you can get lost looking at the beautiful wood grain.
Overall, the interior is in very good condition. With all of the key components presented and correct getting into this Bentley will be an occasion that all involved will remember.
The Exterior
- Simple yet striking design
- Finished in a beautiful deep blue
- Good alloy condition
Wafting along the road in this modern classic will not only be an event for you inside but everyone outside, watching you roll on by, will be amazed by the pure grace of this large Bentley.
Finished in this fetching dark blue it looks very understated that’s for sure. Across the car, the paint is in very good condition. There are a few spots across the front lip and just above the boot section that do have some marks on them. But importantly, there doesn’t appear to be any obvious areas of corrosion or paint bubbling.
On all four corners, you’ll find a very well-presented 7-spoke alloy wheel. The faces look very good indeed with little to no spots that will need restoration. These alloys are also all shod in the same Avon Turbospeed tyre, a small but vital detail.
Set on either side of that iconic horizontal grille are a set of twin headlights, the lenses are nice and clear with no fogging or cracking. This condition is further mirrored by the rear lights as well.
This car is a fine example of less is more when it comes to exterior design. No silly wings, or wide haunches, just simple straight lines. These help create a sophisticated-looking car that will get you into some amazing places across the world.
The Mechanics
- Powerful turbocharged engine
- 6.75l V8 under the bonnet
- Wafts along the road
- Simple to drive
Getting in and turning the key wakes up the smooth V8. On tick over it is characteristically quiet with a slight noise when you press the throttle. This isn’t one of those uncouth American V8s, this is a quiet and understated English V8.
It may be understated in the noise department, but Bentley made sure that it had some poke to make sure you’re never late to that important function. 22 years and 50,000 miles after the car's production the mechanical elements still appear to be in great condition. During the photoshoot the car idled nicely and slipped between first and reverse with no problem.
You might notice that the interior shots were taken with the car running. This helps to show that there are no warning lights present when the car is running.
When out on the open road this car comes into its owner, it will provide a driving experience, unlike any other car you’ve driven. The simple operation makes it a pleasure to get behind the wheel. You should be able to make many happy memories at the helm of this beautiful Bentley.
Summary
What’s not to love about this luxury long-wheelbase saloon? The interior is trimmed better than the Ritz and the driving experience you get from such a vehicle is pure joy. Whether you wish to drive this car or be driven in it, it will be a great addition to your collection.
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