﹒Two previous owners

﹒Number 59 of 100 limited production run models

﹒Original factory colour

﹒Full Bentley Service History

﹒Full Transferable Bentley warranty

Did you know that WRC champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports at 205mph on a frozen stretch of the Baltic Sea in 2011? To mark this unique milestone, the Bentley marketing department came up with a rather interesting idea. Exactly 100 limited edition Continentals, known as the Ice Speed Record (or ISR) were built to celebrate this notable world record feat. This 2012 ISR goes one step further than the other 99 cars, and this well-maintained example is the only ISR to be finished in ‘Thunder’ grey. It was also specified with several unique fittings, which truly makes this car a genuine one-off. 

At the time it was ISR most expensive Continental, thanks to its lavish specification but also due to the formidable 631 bhp six-litre W12 twin-turbo engine. When launched the ISR was also the most powerful and fastest road-going Bentley ever produced, which was confirmed by its astonishing sub 4 seconds 0-60 time, but there's far more you need to know about this car. Read on.

The current owner has owned the car since 2015 and is the Bentleys second keeper since new. He has always been allured to the Bentley attributes of luxury, class and style, which bestows the Continental ISR the natural choice as a long-distance cruiser. It is a brutally fast car but also has the ability to carry four people in comfort with no drama but with plenty of presence. During the owner's guardianship, the car has been maintained to the highest possible standard, which has also included a recently installed engine and roof. Although attracted to the unique specification, the owner has not been afraid to use the car and it has covered around 50,000 miles over those five years. He states that 'It really is a reflection of what a wonderful and compulsive driving car the ISR is’. Alas all good things come to end and he knows he will regret the sale, but he has replacement car imminently lined up and feels that the Bentley needs to continue its journey without him.

As befitting of a car of this calibre, the Bentley has a blemish-free service history record and has been maintained at the Jack Barlcay Bentley main dealer since new. The owner has collected a stack of paperwork that documents everything about the car, which also includes a not inconsiderable options list. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that there are too many to list here, but some of the highlights include specific colour coded interior items, wind deflectors, smoke steel exterior trim finish and GPS Track system among the list. Quite simply, there are no holes in the paperwork or specification and the next private owner can be confident knowing that the car also has a transferable full Bentley warranty until October 2021. The car also comes with a tracker subscription and is sold with 11 months of MOT. Late last year the ISR was treated to an Autocheck paint correction treatment to rectify any stone chips, prior to receiving a ceramic coating to protect the body.

As well as full Bentley service history, the car has been back to the main dealer for several items including a brand new engine replaced under warranty. The engine was installed in the car in early 2020 and has covered less than 7,000 miles. The car was also subject to a new roof also fitted by Jack Barclay in the spring of 2020. Both items are documented in the paperwork, along with all of its MOTS and correspondence with the dealer. Please note that the registration plate will be retained by the owner and is not part of the sale. As one of 100 Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record built, the car also has a numbered plaque on the centre console, to verify its limited run. This car is documented as car number 59.

Bentley’s quality hand-finishing has helped the car retain much of the interior allure, clad with alcantara, leather, carbon fibre with hand-stitched details, the driver's cabin is a satisfying place to be. The overall presentation is good with a couple of minor signs of age-related issues to point out. The seats are all in good condition, with some minor wear on the bolster of the driver seat. All are free from rips or tears and appear to have been well cared for. The carpets and mats are in good condition. The special order alcantra steering wheel is in good condition too and has yet to wear down, only the centre of the wheel shows any signs of age. The beautifully designed gear stick is in great order.

The leather-trimmed dashboard with unique red carbon fibre is in excellent condition, with no significant visual impairments. The dials, paddle shifts, switches and controls have worn the years well. All are said to be functional. The tops of the leather door cards show signs of looseness but both are generally scuff-free and in good condition. The boot is in good undamaged condition, the carpet is unmarked and looks like its new. The headlining on the inside can actually be described as new.

The body is in very good condition and a casual inspection reveals no major issues. The panel gaps are true and even throughout the car, with no evidence of damage on the panels observed. The doors hang well, with no malfunctions with the soft-close operation. The underside of the car is good, with no significant issues that would concern the new owner. The only minor issue that should be mentioned is the near-side top edge of the rear bumper, which appears to have caught something and been bent out somewhat. The paint finish is excellent throughout, with the unique one-off ‘Thunder’ grey cost option paint retaining a deep lustre throughout. There are no significant swirls, chips or damage to distract the eye and the light catches the reflections really nicely which helps to reveal the lack of bodywork damage or dents or scratches. 

The 20" 10-Spoke Super Sports Wheels with Red Painted and Diamond-turned finish are in excellent condition, suggesting evidence of careful ownership and no embarrassing encounters with the kerb. They’re mated to a set of Pirelli P Zero tyres which all show well above legal thread. Two have been recently replaced for the last MOT. The trim and exterior embellishments are in good condition. All the glass is excellent with no cracks, chips or laminate damage, the glass rubber trim and door seals are in good condition and are all leak-free. The roof was subject to a replacement in 2020, and therefore must be considered as new. The roof operation was seamless with no noisy operation from the motors.

On start up, the initial rumble of the engine soon settles and the car ticks over with no drama. The condensation from the exhaust soon dissipates and the engine gets up to temperature and purrs patiently as it awaits for the open road. The W12 engine was replaced under warranty in 2020, so there should not be any issues with the running and performance. The gearbox is said to perform with no problems. The exhausts are in good condition, with no issues with leaks or corrosion. The carbon ceramic brake discs appear to be in excellent condition, with no evidence of fade or poor adjustment. There are no signs of unwanted power steering noises, or any knocking emanating from the suspension - besides, any issues would have been picked up by Jack Barclay and rectified. The nearside tyres have also been replaced as per an MOT advisory, the invoice can be seen below in the gallery.

The performance is one thing but the styling has the biggest impact. There’s absolutely no doubt about it. This is not a car for shrinking violets. The lashings of the red theme influences the car, which not only adorns the alloys but dominates the interior too, down to the Breitling clock and seat stitching. While it requires a little getting used to, it actually suits the nature of the ISR concept. With its all-wheel drive and German underpinnings, the ISR is relatively easy to drive too. Combined with world-class interior craftsmanship, astonishing power and the pinnacle of luxury comfort, this one-off version of a limited run car presents this ISR as a truly unique experience. As the owner told us, 'As a car to experience the South of France, through to Italy on to the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel, it really doesn’t get much better. I shall miss the charms of the Bentley.'


** Interested parties should note the private reg plate is not included in the sale. The new registration of the vehicle will be FJ12 FFL**



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