The Bentley Continental, launched in 1991, was the first Bentley for decades that did not share its bodywork with a Rolls Royce product. It drew inspiration from the elegant Continental Rs from the 1950s, and was applauded for its superb style and performance that was seriously impressive at the time. With 553lb/ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm the Continental can leap from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and reach a heady 152mph!
Retailing at a whisker less than £200,000 when new, the Continental is currently superb value for money, especially when they are as nicely preserved and maintained as this example. All three owners have lavished care on the Bentley, with plenty of services and work when required. It has obviously spent most of its time in warm garages, and the interior is virtually as new. Most impressive.UdTvwXyy1GDTM3eUCMOfXfWCDMhmfOgo9ZNm0TsN.jpg642.02 KB
History and Paperwork
Built in 1993 and supplied by Reg Vardy, Tyne & Wear
First registered in December 1993
Purchased by the Seller, the third owner in November 2022
V5c in Owner’s name
MoT valid to March 2024
Service book with 13 stamps, all Bentley Main Dealer except last by Bentley specialist
Thick folder of invoices for servicing and parts, totalling more than £17,000
Old MoT certificates
DVLA MoT history back to 2006 corroborates mileage
August 2022 repairs carried out to front wings, corrosion removed, metal replaced, waxoyled, primed and painted £720
Major service and refurbishment carried out by Prestige Services, Leeds in July 2022, with invoice on file listing work completed totalling £7,098, just 131 miles covered since
Superb Parchment leather heated seats with Spruce green piping
Inlaid Burr Walnut dash, door cappings and tables all immaculate
You would have thought that after 66,000 miles the interior would show some wear, but apart from one small mark on the passenger door card (that would probably wipe off) and a little dust, there is nothing that shows any wear at all! The Parchment leather seats, with their Spruce Green piping are as new, with barely a crease to be found. We played with every control we could find and none failed to operate correctly. All the gauges function correctly, the engine ticks over with good oil pressure and there are no warning lights showing. The deep green carpets are undamaged, again with no wear. Likewise the parchment roof lining is immaculate.
The boot is perfectly clean, lined with green carpet. Everything appears as delivered, complete with the original toolkit.
Bentley Racing Green exterior paintwork in outstanding condition
Undamaged and original wheels with lightly worn Avon Turbospeed tyres
Excellent chrome and trim, undamaged glass and lenses
A close examination of the paintwork revealed only the most minor faults and the overall finish is superb; mirror-like and spotless. There are minor and tiny stone chips around the front as you might expect, and the corner of the rear bumper on the passenger side has a slight rub mark that would mostly polish out. Looking down the flanks of the Bentley reveals great depth and an impressive reflective finish. The light lenses and glass areas are all undamaged. The wheels are unmarked and fitted with the correct Avon Turbospeed tyres; all have plenty of remaining tread.
Looking through the fat history folder it’s easy to understand why the Bentley is in such good mechanical condition. There are bills for servicing and maintenance stretching back over the years totalling many thousands of pounds. The last major work was completed in July last year. Looking at the MoT trail it had covered very few miles in the preceding months and a major refurbishment was completed. Some restoration of the front wings was necessary, and completed in August 2022.
It has always received whatever attention was required, and is in fine health. Only 131 miles have been covered since the last Service, and recently the Bentley has only been used on dry days and special occasions. The drive to the photo venue was the first time it had ventured out for some weeks, and it drove perfectly.2WIuqtSJihKouP6x5mFYu3n6a4ga3efk55VQNVfk.jpg629.86 KB
Summary
Just 1,236 Continental Rs were built, not unsurprisingly as at the time of launch they were the world’s most expensive car! Built to covered great distances whilst pampering their occupants in luxury surroundings the Continental still looks every inch a millionaire’s car. With astounding performance, superb build quality and striking looks they are currently superb value, but that’s likely to change. We haven’t seen one as nice as this for quite a while!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
