1996 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R

This Bentley Continental R is a luxurious and cosseting grand tourer, which boasts a handsome factory specification and low mileage. Under the bonnet is a 6.75-litre Garrett-turbocharged V8, which is believed to produce up to 385bhp and 550lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 51,089 km.

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.

A left-hand drive car, it was supplied to its first owner in July 1996 via Swiss dealer Garage Beau-Rivage in Lausanne. Still finished in its factory colours of Midnight Blue over a Sandstone hide interior, this Continental R remains original and unmodified. It was acquired by the vendor in Germany around 11 years ago.

Today, this Bentley presents very well, with no known prior damage to any panels. Indeed, the vendor believes that the paintwork is original to the car, and reports that there are some minor blemishes on the bonnet and small stone chips around the front. As the photos in the gallery show, the paint finish remains very good for its age, no doubt thanks largely to the low mileage. It rides on the correct 17-inch alloy wheels, which are in excellent condition, and retain their original Bentley centre caps.

Inside, this Continental R is in genuinely excellent condition. The Sandstone hide complements the body colour beautifully, and the leather shows barely any signs of use. There are very slight creases, but no heavy scuffs or discolouration, and the trim has clearly been well-cared for over the years. Its wood veneers are all in great shape, as are the various metal vents, buttons and handles around the cabin. While the individual seat batteries are understood to need replacement, there are no other known electrical faults.

Having evidently seen little use in recent years, the last routine maintenance was carried out in January 2014 at 48,988 km by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Werner Monk near Dortmund. The engine oil and filter were changed, the front brake discs and pads were renewed, and the rear brake pads were also replaced. Two rear dampers were also changed during this service visit. Prior to this, services are also on record from February 2000 at 32,274 km, August 1998 at 24,825 km, and September 1997 at 12,108 km.

The vendor states that the car will be sold with a fresh TÜV roadworthiness certificate valid until April 2023. The only known issue is that while the tyres have good tread depth, they are old and so will need to be replaced because of their age.

Accompanying this Bentley is the original instruction manual, stamped service book, and registration certificate. A full summary of the specification is also included, and shown in the gallery below, while the invoice for the most recent service is also present.

This Bentley Continental R is a low-mileage luxury tourer with a superb factory specification. Unquestionably the consummate ‘continental express’ of its era, the car remains an impressive and imposing modern classic today, and it would make a wonderful cruiser for weekends or longer road trips alike.

Summary of service history:

• 18/07/1996 - (Pre-delivery)
• 17/09/1997 - 12,108 km
• 20/08/1998 - 24,825 km
• 17/02/2000 - 32,274 km
• 28/01/2014 - 48,988 km

Factory specification:

Exterior Colours:

• Main Paint – Midnight Blue Basecoat
• Secondary Paint – Midnight Blue Basecoat

Interior Colours:

• Carpet Binding – Sandstone Hide
• Carpets – Dark Blue
• Centre Console Colour – Black Hide – Through Dyed
• Centre Stowage Bin – Main Colour – Sandstone Hide
• Door Kick Pad Binding - Sandstone Hide
• Draught Welt - Sandstone Hide
• Headlining - Sandstone Hide
• Lambswool Rugs – Dark Blue
• Main Trim - Sandstone Hide
• Rear Parcel Shelf - Sandstone Hide
• Seat Piping Colour - Sandstone Hide
• Sun visors - Sandstone Hide
• Top Roll – Black Hide – Trough Dyed
• Underdash - Sandstone Hide

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