Auction Highlight: 1997 Bentley Continental T

Few cars command the attention like a Bentley; a marque synonymous with style, power, and presence. Since the first Bentley was sold on the platform in December 2019, Collecting Cars has found new homes for no fewer than 250 examples, spanning more than 80 years of history from this 1937 Bentley 4¼ litre Park Ward Pillarless Saloon to the likes of this contemporary 2022 Flying Spur.

A wonderful example of 1990s British coachbuilding at its finest, our Auction Highlight here showcases the grace and elegance for which the Bentley back catalogue is renowned.

Fitted with a 6.75-litre turbocharged V8, producing 400hp and 590lb-ft of torque, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission; the Bentley Continental T was a more expensive and athletic variant of the Continental R; with a 102mm shorter wheelbase, uprated brake discs, and flared wheel arches accommodating wider wheels with 285-section tyres.

Just 321 examples of the sporting Continental T were produced, of which only 104 were right-hand drive. This scarcity was reflected in the price, with a £30,000 premium over the R when new, making the £220,000 Continental T more expensive than a Porsche 993 Turbo and Ferrari 550 Maranello combined.

In September 2020, Collecting Cars offered this handsomely specified Bentley Continental T for auction. Previously featured on the popular ‘Harry’s Garage’ YouTube channel, this powerful cruiser was finished in the attractive hue of Atlantic Blue over a sophisticated blue and cream Parchment hide cabin with traditional wood veneer trim, rather than the more commonly specified turned-metal inlays.

This original UK-market example was first registered in January 1997 and presented in wonderfully original order save for the fitment of a contemporary Kenwood head unit, and a professionally re-connolised steering wheel.

Offered for sale with an impressive service history, the car was accompanied by all its handbooks, the stamped service book, an original brochure, and recent maintenance paperwork. Original tools and a full-size spare wheel were also present.

With its handsome coachbuilt body, sumptuous cabin, and mighty powerplant, this rare and well-maintained Continental T attracted plenty of attention from marque enthusiasts, enticing 60 bids before a hammer price of £64,500 was reached.

Collecting Cars is a go-to destination for those in the market for a Bentley, with more than 150 examples finding a new home via the platform. If you have a vehicle from the marque’s distinguished history that is ready to be enjoyed by a new keeper, our consignment team is on hand to help you achieve a great result.