Highlights
- Desirable 1997MY car with 385bhp and other improvements
- One of the rare Mulliner-enhanced Continental R models
- In current ownership for 18 years
- Comprehensive main dealer and specialist service history
- Elegant Royal Blue metallic with Sandstone leather interior
- Impressive history file with all documentation
- Low mileage car with 78,618 miles and servicing to 75,716 miles
- Sold with fresh 12 months MOT
The Appeal
In the mid 1990s if you wanted a GT car and you wanted the very best of everything, then you wanted Bentley’s Continental R. It was the fastest and most powerful car that the firm had ever built. That it was also the most expensive production car in the world tells you something about how rarified it was.
Just 544 were built in RHD, and the one you really want is a post-1997 model year car like this one. The only real giveaway is the 17in alloy wheels, indicating that these cars got a massive power hike to 385bhp - from 330bhp - plus improvements to the interior, intercooler and ECU.
Alongside those improvements, this low-mileage Royal Blue metallic example also benefits from some choice Mulliner bespoking, which you can check out in the photos. It is all very well preserved thanks to the care of its handful of keepers, including the current one lady keeper who acquired it in 2006.
The history file backs up this impression, showing regular maintenance by main dealers and respected marque specialists. There was a full service and check over less than 3,000 miles ago in 2022.
Rare and brutally capable, the Continental R is one of the last cars from the ‘proper’ hand-crafted Bentley era. This one looks impressive and will be sold with a fresh 12 months MOT.
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 1st April 1996
- 6 former registered keepers
- Current lady keeper since December 2006
- Used sparingly during current 18-year ownership
- Comprehensive service history as shown in photos
- Maintained by Bentley dealers and marque specialists
- Complete with all service and owner handbooks
- Two sets of keys provided
- Large history file including all old MOT certificates
- Mileage of 78,618 supported by documented history
- Full service and check over by specialists in 2022 around 3,000 miles ago
- Car will be sold with fresh 12 months MOT
- No advisories on last MOT to April 2025
The Condition
- Royal Blue metallic paintwork presents well with only minor points to note in photos
- Bodywork is straight and well kept with no damage or accident repairs reported
- Later car with 17in alloy wheels which are in good order for age
- Matching Pirelli tyres fitted all round showing good general condition
- Exterior fittings including lights and chromework are very presentable
- Sandstone leather interior with blue piping appears in good condition for its age
- Light signs of use to usual high traffic areas such as driver’s seat
- Two-tone dark blue and sandstone dashboard in good order
- Extensive wood veneers present well across car
- Mulliner bespoke features including wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Period correct radio cassette system fitted as well as Motorola car phone
- Blue carpets complement the interior colour scheme and in good order throughout
- Boot area has matching spare wheel with cover, tools and branded umbrella
The Mechanics
- 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine with 1997MY 385bhp output
- 4spd GM automatic transmission
- Maintained by main Bentley dealers and marque specialists throughout its life
- Regular servicing documented in the comprehensive history file
- The vendor states all mechanical systems are functioning correctly
- Chassis and suspension components in good working order
- No reported running or driving issues
- No advisories on last MOT in April 2024
- Car will be sold with fresh 12 months MOT
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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