Highlights
- Very appealing Royal Ebony Black metallic over Magnolia leather
- Bentley Drivers Club Concourse d'Elegance award winner in 2022, 2024 and 2025
- Factory Mulliner adaptations including matrix grills and 18-inch chrome alloy wheels
- Comprehensive documented service history from new
- In current ownership for ten years with meticulous maintenance
- Complete with original build sheet and detailed spreadsheet of all service records
- Current MOT to July 2026 with no advisories
- Recent service and will be serviced again before sale
The Appeal
The Continental was Bentley’s first proper stand-alone model for decades. And what a return to form it was - the most powerful car the firm had ever built and the most expensive production car in the world. Naturally, these low-volume cars have a special place in the hearts of the marque’s many enthusiasts. That they are also impeccable long-distance companions adds to their appeal.
Just 544 Continental Rs were built in RHD, and this is one of only 86 produced in 1996. Its attractive Royal Ebony Black metallic over Magnolia specification is part of a compelling and rather special package. Since leaving the factory in October 1996, it has returned to be extensively upgraded to Mulliner specification, including front wing vents and integral indicators, matrix front grilles, stainless steel headlamp surround inserts, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, all-black badging, sports stainless steel pedals, and the Mulliner large bore stainless steel exhaust system.
The current keeper acquired the car in 2015 and has continued the theme of sparing use and extensive maintenance. The history file includes the original build sheet, a detailed spreadsheet documenting maintenance and is said by the seller to be ‘complete.’ Highlights include the vital 60,000-mile hydraulic service, which was completed by Bentley specialists Royce Engineering and Service. The car’s condition is verified by a run of awards from the Bentley Drivers Club, including. The car was entered into the Club’s concours awards in 2016, 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2025 and awarded Commended and Highly Commended. In 2022, it won the Club’s Inter-Regional Challenge Competition.
With its elevated factory specification, sparing miles and excellent provenance, this is the sort of car that will appeal to marque enthusiasts. It has recently been serviced and will be serviced again prior to sale. There is also the reassurance of a lengthy, advisory-free MOT valid to July 2026. The MOT will be renewed for the buyer before the sale.
The vendor says:
“The Mulliner adaptations, the unmarked Royal Ebony coachwork with cream leather interior and low mileage of this car made it the outstanding choice, among the six Continental R cars that we reviewed, when purchasing in Summer 2015. With the care and attention devoted to the car, during my ten-year ownership, leading to its success at Bentley Drivers Club Concourse d'Elegance events, and its supreme reliability, this car is an exceptional investment for the next owner. It is only my impending retirement and loss of garage space that causes me to sell 'Galahad'.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 16th October 1996 as a 1997 model year vehicle
- 10 registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since August 2015
- Current MOT valid until 11th July 2026 with no advisories
- Vendor states car has complete history from original build sheet
- We are told that the file includes every service and maintenance event
- 60,000-mile hydraulic service by Royce Engineering and Service of Betchworth
- Both the leather-bound Owner's Handbooks and the Bentley Service Record Book are included
- Factory Mulliner adaptations fitted during the previous owner's eight-year ownership
- Successfully entered in Bentley Drivers Club Concourse d'Elegance events in 2016, 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2025
- Awarded Commended and Highly Commended status at various events
- Winner of the BDC 2022 Inter Regional Challenge Competition
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Rosettes and plaques as shown
- Spreadsheet of maintenance records advised by seller
- VIN number SCBZB15C3VCH53348
- Vendor states car will be sold with a new MOT prior to sale
Mulliner factory upgrades advised by seller:
- Front wing vents with integral indicators
- Matrix front grills
- Stainless steel headlamp surround inserts
- 18 inch chrome alloy wheels
- All-black badging
- Sports stainless steel pedals
- Mulliner large bore stainless steel exhaust system
The vendor says:
“This 1997 Model Year Continental R has a complete history from its original build sheet through every service, maintenance and upkeep event since registered in October 1996. I have owned and improved the care for the last ten years and joyfully entered this superb example into the Bentley Drivers Club Concourse d'Elegance events, with success, since 2016.
“Although the car is a Continental R, the previous owner had factory Mulliner adaptations fitted, during his eight-year ownership. Over my ownership (August 2015 to date), I have improved the car's reliability and presence by detailing and exacting maintenance.
“The all-important 60,000-mile 'Hydraulic' service was completed by the supplier (the highly-regarded Royce Engineering and Service, of Betchworth, Surrey), with all issues arising from the car's use dealt with, irrespective of cost. Since then, the car has received another service, which will be refreshed along with a fresh MOT upon successful sale to a discerning and appreciative owner.”
The Condition
- Royal Ebony coachwork is in smart condition with few indications of age
- Bodywork assessed by Bentley Drivers Club Concourse judges multiple times
- Magnolia leather interior piped in black and appears in very good order
- Factory Mulliner adaptations include front wing vents with integral indicators
- Chrome Mulliner specification wheels with quality Bridgestone tyres fitted
- Interior shows little indication of age with trim and fittings in good order
- Specification includes leather headlining in Magnolia and burr walnut veneers
- Fitted with quality Alpine stereo
The Mechanics
- 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine
- 4spd automatic transmission
- The vendor states that mechanically, the car is in excellent condition
- All machinery, systems and equipment reported to work as intended
- Recently serviced and will be refreshed again upon sale
- Current MOT with no advisories
- Fresh MOT to be provided upon successful sale
- 60,000-mile hydraulic service has been completed by a specialist
- Vendor reports that all maintenance issues have been addressed regardless of cost
- Described as very reliable throughout the current ownership, we are told
- Both Factory tool kits and comprehensive maintenance tool kit are included
- Extensive history file advised by seller with detailed records
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