1992 Bentley Continental R

Bentley's 1980s resurgence had hitherto relied exclusively on models whose basic architecture was shared with other Rolls-Royce products, but on display at Geneva in '85 was 'Project 90', a mocked-up coupé intended to gauge public response to the idea of a high-performance car unique to Bentley. When the real thing - the Bentley Continental R - was unveiled six years later, the waiting crowd burst into spontaneous applause. Styled with the assistance of consultants International Automotive Design, the Continental R benefited from computer-aided design and wind tunnel testing in the devising of its sleekly streamlined shape. Despite the need to incorporate non-traditional features such as doors recessed into the roof, the result looked every bit a Bentley, albeit one restated for the 1990s. Also new was the gearbox, a four-speed automatic with an 'overdrive' top ratio, but the main focus of interest was the newcomer's performance. Needless to say, this was outstanding, the combination of the Turbo R engine in the new wind-cheating shape cutting the 0-60mph time to under 6 seconds and boosting top speed to in excess of 150mph.

Finished in Ming Metallic Blue with contrasting black hide interior this car is a lesson in just how attractive these old school Bentley coupes look today, all body panels are straight and dent free, while the superb paintwork shows no signs of corrosion and has a deep mirror like finish throughout.

With only 82000 warranted miles from new the Bentley V8 engine fires up immediately and soon settles down to an even idle. Putting the gear selector into drive, the take up is immediate but free of snatching. Once on the move, up changes are smooth and quick and it's the same when the auto boxes drops down the cogs. Steering is light but has a good feel to make it easy to negotiate the narrowest streets, while the ride is supple and soaks up the bumps easily, although a big car cornering is reported to be 'first class'. This Bentley is totally standard and just as it left the factory meaning this is a properly sorted example.

There are no ominous noises emanating from the engine, gearbox or back axle, a sign that this car has been looked after all of its life. Open the door and you'll be amazed by the condition of this Bentleys interior, this is a real gentleman's interior with lashings of leather and wood that shouts quality. The wood is in beautiful condition, as are the seat faces and door cards. The carpet is also in very fine order, all switches and gauges are reported to work perfectly.

This cars service history also offers confidence, we are informed by the vendor of an excellent service history, just to confirm this the gearbox has recently been rebuilt and is still under warranty until May of 2015, both the suspension and braking system have also been overhauled and as such this beautiful car is said to drive without fault. Ready to be driven away, all this in five and a bit metres of unashamed luxury.