Highlights
- First owned by a Middle Eastern Crown Prince
- Cost £250,000 when new
- Extensive history and service records
- Only 62,000 miles from new
- Factory build records
- Recently serviced by Frank Dale to the tune of £3,365
The Appeal
The Continental name has long been associated with Bentleys, evoking long European tours to take in the finest roads and resorts. In fact, when Ian Fleming was writing his James Bond novels, he gave 007 a succession of Bentleys to drive and always ensured that Bond had to take them down to the south of France, or other such lovely places.
The Continental is designed to be a true grand tourer, and this goal has certainly been achieved. The Bentley offered for sale here is the short-wheelbase Continental T, which offers even better performance from an uprated engine which produces an extra 15bhp, coupled with the weight-saving and improved handling that comes from shortening the wheelbase.
This car comes with extensive documentation and is presented in excellent condition. It was reportedly first owned by a Middle Eastern Crown Prince, who stored it in an air-conditioned garage in London.
The History and Paperwork
- Sold new to Middle Eastern royalty for £250,000 in 1997
- Only 62,000 miles from new
- MoT to March 2023
- Large service history file
- Factory build records
- Original purchase invoice
The Interior
- ‘Champagne’ leather upholstery with blue piping
- Deep blue sheepskin carpets
- Carphone located in centre console
The striking interior of his Bentley features the kind of colour combination that can only be pulled off by the most luxurious of automobiles. The sumptuous ‘Champagne’ leather seats are piped in blue, which matches the deep pile sheepskin carpets. Polished walnut door cappings and dashboard finish the ensemble perfectly, along with the chrome plated fixtures and fittings.
The leather remains in fine condition, with only the driver seat looking like it could benefit from some cleaning. Above, the leather headlining is clean and free from blemishes, securely attached and presentable. The thick fleece carpets are luxuriously deep and, other than a mark in the front passenger foot well, they appear to be very clean and tidy.
To the rear, the boot remains very presentable, with its matching blue carpet, trimmed in leather. Two umbrellas are attached to the bootlid and the car retains its full sized spare wheel (refurbished in 2017), toolkit and battery charger beneath the boot floor.
The Exterior
- Imposing road presence
- Black Sapphire Mica paintwork
- Good exterior trim
This Continental looks smart, imposing and bold in its Black Sapphire Mica paintwork. This remains in good condition overall, with no more than the usual blemishes: there is notably a graze on the corner of the nearside rear bumper, as well as a few small chips and scratches, but nothing more than we would expect to see on a car of this age and mileage.
The five spoke alloy wheels appear very presentable, with one wheel showing some minor scratches to its rim, and one tyre has some damage to its sidewall.
Underneath, this Bentley appears to be in good condition, with little evidence of surface corrosion, having received a documented repair to the offside rear sill in 2017.
The exterior trim is all present and correct, with the chrome fittings in good condition and lamp lenses front and rear looking clear and bright.
The Mechanics
- Well documented maintenance schedule
- High performance Continental T specification
- 400bhp 6¾ litre V8 engine
Fortunately, this Bentley Continental has been well maintained over the years. The accompanying documentation shows that the car has received regular attention, with much recent work carried out by Specialist Cars Ltd. Previous to this, there are charming handwritten invoices from William James Motors Ltd.
Under the bonnet, the 6¾ litre V8 engine produces a whopping 400bhp and 800Nm of torque. Performance figures such as these could certainly be described as ‘adequate’.
The next owner will be reassured by the extensive works carried out throughout this car’s life. And with an MoT valid until March next year, you can bid with confidence.
Summary
Here we have a stunning Bentley Continental T, with royal provenance to add to its appeal. It is a bespoke creation, handcrafted for a Middle Eastern crown prince at a cost of £250,000 in 1998.
Reportedly stored in an air-conditioned garage when new, and well maintained since, this Bentley offers a rare opportunity to acquire a car with such provenance and appeal.
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