Lovely condition R from first full year of production
Massive history file
Lovely condition inside and out
No-expense-spared lifetime of maintenance
THE APPEAL
Introduced in late 1991, the Bentley Continental R was the first unique-bodied Bentley to be built under Rolls-Royce ownership and was the absolute epitome of the luxury GT theme at the time.
Substantial yet elegant, it was a striking, hand-built car that was the most expensive model on sale throughout most of the 1990s.
This one is a very early car, first registered in September 1992 to Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership Mead of Burnham. More recently, the car belonged to a good friend of the current owner who had it for over a decade before the current owner acquired it in 2020.
Finished in rare solid Racing Green, it’s an absolutely stunning car that has been serviced by noted specialists for its entire life and is presented in superb overall condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT until March 2024
Original handbooks and wallet
Huge file of invoices going back to day one, from Bentley main dealers and specialists
Looked after most recently by Phantom Motor Cars in Surrey with over £20,000 spent since 2021
Previously maintained by P&A Wood for several years, and Colbrook Specialists for a decade prior to that, all highly respected names in the Rolls-Royce and Bentley world
Two sets of keys
Fully stamped service book and continuation service book
THE INTERIOR
Piped Sandstone leather trim
Excellent walnut veneers
Air conditioning works perfectly
Truly stunning condition
There’s a massive amount of opulence to be found inside the Continental R, with gorgeous Sandstone leather seats, a leather-trimmed console and matching door cards and lower dash areas.
Thick over rugs protect the carpets, all of the dials and gauges work as they should, the air con blows cold and the walnut dashboard and door cappings are superb. It’s a fine, gentrified and luxuriant place to be, and absolutely gorgeous throughout. The load area is also superb, there are smart Mulliner Park Ward kick plates, whilst inside the glove box lid there is a logo for renowned West End Bentley dealer Jack Barclay Ltd, which supplied the Bentley used to its second owner.
THE EXTERIOR
Rare solid Racing Green
Appears superb underneath
Smart original factory alloys
Immaculately presented
The most striking thing about this Bentley is its colour – solid Racing Green. It’s a really unusual hue that replicates the colour scheme of the legendary Le Mans Bentleys of the 1930s. It’s both captivating and discreet – much like the car itself.
It’s in wonderful order – the body is beautifully preserved and original with just the odd minor stone chip. Even the wheels are perfect having been refurbished at some point, while all of the chrome, trim and glass is exceptionally well-presented.
You’ll struggle to find an example as nice, while an underside inspection shows the car to appear solid and rot free. It’s a strong, clean and beautifully presented car in a terrific colour scheme.
THE MECHANICS
6.75-litre V8
Five-speed auto
Impeccably maintained
Strong oil pressure and silent idle
The Continental R is powered by a turbocharged version of Rolls-Royce’s celebrated 6,750cc OHV V8, which had been a Rolls-Royce and Bentley stalwart for almost four decades by the time the model appeared.
With this car’s impeccable maintenance record, it comes as no surprise to find that it’s in fine order, holding a steady temperature, a near silent idle and good oil pressure. The transmission operates smoothly in both forward and reverse gears and the vendor says it is an absolute delight to drive, with no known problems, having recently completed a pan-European journey to Mallorca and back without incident and with no coolant or oil needing to be topped up.
It was most recently serviced and given a comprehensive brake overhaul in March 2023.
SUMMARY
The Continental R is not only the first Bentley to be independently bodied during Rolls-Royce ownership but also one of the last Bentleys to be built before BMW took ownership of the company and mass production took over. It is a beautiful, handcrafted car with exquisite attention to detail and is highly collectable as a result.
This must be one of the best-maintained examples on the market, with a proven mileage and an astonishing maintenance record, going right back to its early years.
A rare chance to own one of the most striking and opulent cars ever made, and at one time the most expensive production car on the market.
It’s a truly gorgeous thing.
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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