1997 Bentley Continental R

First introduced in 1991 and produced until 2003, the Continental 'R' was the last sports coupe designed and produced whilst Bentley was still British owned. It was the most expensive car in the range when launched at £178,000 and was then substantially updated in 1994 with Cosworth upgrades to the 6.75 litre turbocharged engine and 17 inch wheels to help justify the price rising to North of £200k. However, the most significant upgrades came in the 1996 model year when a liquid cooled chargecooler became standard, along with Zytek engine management and a corresponding uplift in power to 385bhp and an enormous 550 lbs/ft torque at only 2000 rpm.

This 1997 model benefits from those upgrades and features, and has covered just 57,800 miles from new. The comprehensive history files confirm all services carried out from delivery in Sept '97 from Straight Eight Bentley up to the most recent service in Dec 2012 by noted Midlands Bentley Specialists - RR and B Garages - at 54,575 miles.

Our vendor bought the car nearly 4 years ago and carried out a recommission with bills on file confirming new parts fitted which include: rear discs, pads, ABS sensors, callipers, brake pipes, suspension spheres, handbrake pads and fuel pipes.

He has used the car sparingly covering just over 3,000 miles during his tenure and reports that the car drives extremely well with no known vices. Finished in Peacock Blue with Sandstone leather upholstery and Royal Blue carpets this very smart car is now ready to be enjoyed once more as the model is now being recognised as a future classic with just 1236 ever produced.