1993 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R

This 1993 Bentley Continental R is a fantastically luxurious and refined grand tourer, which is presented in superb condition throughout, and in a rare and elegant factory colour scheme. Power comes from a 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine, producing around 360bhp and 500lb-ft of torque, which drives the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 63,786 miles from new.

The Continental R was the most powerful and the fastest Bentley of its era. It was also the most expensive production car in the world, and this particular example was priced at more than £180,000 (in excess of £350,000 in today’s money).

This car was first registered on 25 August 1993, and there are five previous registered keepers on the log book. The seller acquired the car just over 10 years ago, and has since covered nearly 14,000 miles behind the wheel, adopting a fastidious approach to maintenance to ensure the Bentley remains in superb order.

Its bodywork is in excellent condition, with impressive shut lines and panel gaps all around the car. There are no dents visible in any of the metal, and no evidence of worrying corrosion. The latter is supported by the fact that over the last 14 years of MOT tests, there has never been any mention of corrosion to the chassis or body. It rides on the original 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, which have one or two minor blemishes, but which are otherwise in very good order.

The Cobalt Blue paint is also in great shape, with a smooth finish across the panels. The seller notes some stone chips to the front spoiler, a stone chip to the front nearside indicator lens, a superficial scuff to the nearside wing mirror housing, and a small defect in the paint along the nearside door sill within the door shut. The elegant coachlines are still in place down the flanks, though there is a small 4mm missing section above the offside rear wheel arch.

Inside, the sumptuous seats are in superb condition, with no damage to the Aegean Blue leather upholstery. The seller notes some colour wear to the Royal Blue piping on the bolsters, slight shrinkage of the leather covering the central instrument cluster, and a superficial scratch close to the ignition switch. As the detailed photos below show, the cabin presents in remarkably good order, for both the age and the mileage.

Smart wood veneers adorn the dashboard, centre console and door caps, and the seller notes only one small chip in the veneer on the driver’s side waist rail hidden in the door shut - which is only visible when the door is open. The polished metal switchgear, ‘organ stop’ levers, and air vents are all in great shape.

There are a few minor electrical faults and trim foibles, including the fact that the fore and aft movement of the front passenger seat only works when the seat is empty, and that the nearside rear speaker rattles with heavy bass. The fuel filler flap will occasionally not open via the electric button, but can still be manually opened via the pull cord in the boot.

Mechanically, this Continental R is in outstanding condition, in the seller’s own words having been “over serviced” during his time with the car using the expert team at Colbrook Specialists. Its last scheduled maintenance was in June 2020 at 63,779 miles, which comprised a 12,000-mile service with renewal of the engine oil, spark plugs, air filter, and parking brake pads.

Prior to this, its most recent services were in March 2019 at 62,142 miles, which included fresh oil, new front speakers, a new offside window regulator mechanism, and regassing of the air-conditioning system; and in March 2018 at 60,590 miles, when the engine oil, gearbox oil, and coolant were replaced. A full summary of the service history is below.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 10 June 2020 at 63,782 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. In fact, other than two notes in January 2007 regarding minor brake pipe and steering rack wear, the car has not received a single other advisory or warning at any point over the last 14 years and more than 25,900 miles on the road - testament to its remarkable condition.

The wheels are fitted with matching Avon Turbospeed tyres, which the seller states are all in excellent condition. The nearside rear tyre still has 7mm of tread remaining, while the other three still have 6mm.

Accompanying this Continental R is a comprehensive history file, as well as the original handbook, stamped service record, and Hi-Fi user guide. The service book has rarely been stamped by Colbrook Specialists during the current ownership, but of course all of the invoices are on file to evidence the work carried out.

This Bentley Continental R is a stunning example of one of the consummate grand tourers, and is understood to be one of just 544 right-hand-drive cars built. Its timeless styling, beautiful detailing, and robust build quality make this a superb modern classic for long-distance touring, and the maintenance history of this car sets it apart from many lesser examples. An ‘event’ car for both driver and passengers alike, this is a cherished Bentley that is sure to delight its next owner.

Summary of service history:

  • 11 Jun 2020 - 63,779 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 27 Mar 2019 - 62,142 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 12 Mar 2018 - 60,590 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 20 Mar 2017 - 59,282 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 29 Mar 2016 - 58,025 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 18 Mar 2015 - 56,821 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 21 Mar 2014 - 55,046 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 27 Mar 2013 - 53,860 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 16 Mar 2012 - 53,011 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 31 Mar 2011 - 51,786 miles (Colbrook Specialists)
  • 31 Mar 2010 - 49,911 miles (DW Haynes)
  • 30 Aug 2006 - 38,361 miles (Broughtons of Cheltenham)
  • 11 Nov 2003 - 33,484 miles (Broughtons of Cheltenham)
  • 23 Apr 2002 - 33,384 miles (Shadow Vehicle Services)
  • 12 Apr 2001 - 30,185 miles (Shadow Vehicle Services)
  • Date not recorded - 24,102 miles (Shadow Vehicle Services)
  • 12 Dec 1998 - 17,169 miles (Shadow Vehicle Services)
  • 22 May 1997 - 15,480 miles (P&A Wood)
  • 22 Sep 1994 - 7,554 miles (RR Motors Crewe)
  • 21 Jan 1994 - 2,387 miles (Jack Barclay)
  • 4 Nov 1993 - 1,840 miles (Jack Barclay)

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 63,786 miles
  • automatic
  • RHD
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Aegean Blue / Royal Blue piping
  • 6.75L V8


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01011
  • private Sale
  • Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom

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