1997 Bentley Continental T

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 1985 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 evolving 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 4-speed automatic with '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 aerodynamic shape cutting the 0-60mph time to 6.2 seconds and boosting top speed to in excess of 150mph.

There was even more to come in the form of the Continental T. Introduced in June 1996, the latter was a short wheelbase version of the Continental R, some four inches being taken out of the chassis aft of the doors. With 400bhp at its disposal and crouching aggressively on 18" wheels, the low-slung Continental T looked every inch the thoroughbred Bentley sports car, the cockpit with its engine-turned dashboard and engine start button recalling the heroic exploits of classic Bentley racers. The luxuriously appointed Continental T was certainly no slouch, arriving at 60mph in a remarkable 5.8 seconds on its way to a (limited) top speed of 156mph. Equally eye-watering was the price - £220,312 at time of launch - making the Continental T Bentley's fastest and most expensive model.

This elegant 1997 Bentley Continental T is finished in Bentley Racing Green with a luxurious interior specified with Sandstone Hide and Conifer carpets. The cabin also features contrasting Spruce hide to the top roll and centre console and Spruce piping to the upholstery. It was released by the Bentley production department on 6th May 1997 and delivered to its first owner, a Mr.Stuart Leslie Wenman, by Jack Barclay of Nine Elms London. There have been three additional owners and the history file contains the original build documents and reams of service documents from 1997 - 2002. The current indicated mileage is 43,747 and the car is supplied with an MOT valid until May, its original handbooks and two service books. Only 42 of these wide-hipped coupés left the factory in 1997 and we cannot think of another car that offers such incredible value today.