1996 Bentley Continental T

The Bentley Continental 'T' is a special motor car and comparatively rare, with just 322 examples gliding out the doors of the Crewe factory between 1996 and 2002. This rarity may have had something to do with an eye-watering list price of £234,000 plus options when new! The 'T' differed from the 'R' having a shorter wheelbase, sportier handling, and an increase in BHP from 400 to 420, but more significantly with a stump-pulling 650lbs/ feet of torque, the highest of any road car at the time and higher even than any F1 car from the 1997 season. The January 1998 'Autocar' said of the car after a road test; "Astonishingly rapid for any coupé, let alone one that weighs the same as five and a half Caterham 7s!"

This particular, right-hand drive, UK-supplied, Continental 'T' was first registered on 20th August 1996 finished in the rare colour combination of Black Garnet with a Magnolia interior, and Wildberry rugs with matching stitching. Acres of Burr Walnut complete the look of this majestic cabin, slightly at odds with the drilled light-alloy pedals, however, effective air-conditioning and a couple of cut-glass whiskey tumblers in the rear centre console, rescue the 'status quo'.

Included in the history file are copies of the factory build sheets, numerous invoices for maintenance work and a service book stamped 13 times, predominantly by main dealers and marque specialists, plotting the mileage covered. Formerly the property of Billy Smart Junior of circus fame, our vendor purchased the car directly from him in June 2010 and had respected specialist Frank Dale & Stepsons inspect the car prior to purchase. In the care of our vendor, the car has been maintained by his local trusted garage and has now covered 90,822 miles.

The cherished plate is being retained by the vendor and is currently being transferred ahead of the sale, and the car has the benefit of an MOT until 14th July 2017, with the Certificate contained in the car's traditional, leather bound, Bentley book pack. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the last of the line of the true 'British' Bentleys.