Just 2,000 miles covered by current owner in 11 years
Garaged and beautifully preserved example
The Appeal
The Bentley Continental R is one of the marque’s defining post-war models - a rare fusion of traditional craftsmanship and unapologetic performance. Hand-built at Crewe, this grand tourer combined a turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 with luxurious, tailored interiors and a sweeping two-door coupé body — making it the most expensive production car in the world at launch.
This 1996 example is particularly desirable, benefiting from a superbly documented ownership and maintenance history. Just six owners from new, it spent a decade in titled ownership before being acquired by the current owner in 2013. Since then, it’s been used sparingly — covering less than 2,000 miles over 11 years — while remaining garaged and protected under a fitted cover.
A service history boasting 23 recorded services, the first 16 carried out by Bentley main dealers, reinforces the care this car has received. The most recent service was completed a mere 40 miles ago, and it holds a clean MOT through to May 2026 with no advisories.
A letter from the previous owner nicely summarises this car’s character: “It is a true piece of history, status and fine engineering, and will be sorely missed.” An outstanding opportunity to acquire a cherished, low-use example of one of Bentley’s modern classics.
Original blue paintwork is in excellent condition with just a few minor scratches here and there
Beautiful cream, leather seats with some light, age-appropriate patina on front seats noted
Consistently garaged and covered
Brightwork in excellent order
Beautifully preserved original interior trim
Fitted lambswool overmats
Switchgear and dash in very good order
All electrics and functions are reported to be working correctly
Lights all work and are free from any cracks or damage
Clean and dry boot area containing the correct spare wheel and jack
Headlining nice, clean and taught
One look at the photo gallery and the viewer can see the exterior of this Continental R is in great shape. The paintwork retains a nice deep gloss with even finish throughout, and the body panels are straight and true. Having been consistently garaged with a fitted cover, all elements of the exterior remain bright and free from any obvious signs of weathering.
Inside, it’s almost like stepping back into 1996. It’s all so sumptuous with very few signs of aging. The front seats are perhaps the biggest clue, with just a faint patina evident, but the rest of the interior presents extremely well. The original lambswool over mats (often lost or heavily worn) remain in good shape too.
23 documented services, first 16 with Bentley main dealers
Most recent service carried out 40 miles ago
Starts, drives and performs exactly as expected
Power delivery remains smooth and responsive
Gearbox changes cleanly and without issue
No known mechanical problems reported by the vendor
Mechanically, this Bentley Continental R is in excellent health. The vendor reports no known issues and confirms it drives like a dream, sometimes stretching those journeys out just a little longer, as behind that wheel is such a delightful place to be.
The 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 delivers ample power, while the automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. So, in addition to the many miles of happy motoring it will undoubtedly provide its next owner, the comprehensive service record and recent maintenance just 40 miles ago provide an additional peace of mind that so many of this era simply can’t do. image.png4.24 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
