1994 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R

This 1994 Bentley Continental R is an effortlessly cosseting and opulent grand tourer, which is presented in remarkably good condition and with relatively low mileage. Under the bonnet is a 6.75-litre Garrett-turbocharged V8 engine with digital fuel injection, producing 360bhp and 500lb ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 65,014 miles from new.

At its launch, the Continental R was the most powerful and fastest Bentley ever built. Not only that, but until the Azure convertible arrived a few years later, it was also the most expensive production car in the world, priced at more than £180,000 (in excess of £350,000 in today’s money).

First registered in February 1994, this example has seven previous registered keepers on the log book. The present owner acquired the car just over five years ago, and has since enjoyed some 4,500 miles behind the wheel. It is a truly cherished car, and has even featured on the cover of Classic Cars magazine.

The bodywork of this Continental R is in very good order, with no panel damage, and no evidence of any corrosion. The Peacock Blue paint finish is smooth and glossy all around the car, and all of the brightwork is in excellent condition. Its body trims and light lenses present well, and there are smart coach-lines running down the flanks. The car rides on the original 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, which have only a couple of small chips in the paint, and which are accented by red ‘B’ hub covers and valve caps.

Inside, the interior is original and is in wonderful condition. The Parchment Connolly leather upholstery has a lovely patina, and very little wear, with some light surface cracking and creases on the driver’s seat. The blue piping looks very smart, and the rear seats are in superb order. Its electrically adjustable front seats are also heated, and there is air-conditioning and cruise control. The elegant wood veneers across the dashboard, centre console and door caps, are in great shape, and the cabin is accented by polished metal air vents, switchgear and ‘organ stop’ levers throughout.

This Continental R has been well maintained and is in very impressive mechanical condition. Its last scheduled maintenance was carried out in July 2018 by Bentley specialist, Michael Hibberd Motor Engineers. In June 2017, Michael Hibberd carried out a more significant overhaul, including renewal of the drive belts, rocker cover gaskets, brake pads, seals and fluids. Prior to this, it was serviced by Bentley specialist Colbrook in Peterborough.

The last MOT test was on 10 October 2019 at 64,931 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories whatsoever. It should be noted that the car has not failed a single MOT test in the last 14 years, covering some 8,000 miles on the road. Four new Avon Turbospeed CR228-D tyres were fitted in September 2017.

Accompanying this Bentley is the original owner’s manual and stamped service book, as well as a raft of old invoices and receipts for maintenance work, plus numerous MOT certificates and tax discs. A copy of the Classic Cars magazine featuring the car is also included.

This Bentley Continental R is a superb example of the breed, which has a very good main dealer and specialist service history, and which is presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition. It is evidently a cherished car, and is driven every few weeks to keep it in fine running order. The Continental R is surely the consummate ‘continental express’, and this car is understood to be one just 544 examples built in right-hand drive. Rare, luxurious, and incredibly sophisticated, this is a wonderful cruiser and is always an event to drive.

Summary of service history:

• 23 May 1994 - 1,148 miles
• 2 Nov 1994 - 2,928 miles
• 7 Jun 1996 - 14,868 miles
• 7 Nov 1996 - 20,018 miles
• 20 May 1997 - 26,747 miles
• 8 Dec 1998 - 38,886 miles
• 11 Nov 1999 - 44,349 miles
• 4 Jul 2001 - 48,683 miles
• 2 Jun 2004 - 52,387 miles
• 12 Jul 2006 - 55,553 miles
• 30 May 2007 - 56,260 miles
• 9 Jan 2012 - 60,240 miles
• 1 Oct 2014 - 60,453 miles
• 1 Apr 2015 - 61,390 miles
• 30 Mar 2016 - 62,311 miles
• 27 Jun 2017 - 63,299 miles
• 25 Jul 2018 - 64,400 miles

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.