2000 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R MULLINER WIDE BODY

KEY FACTS

• An imposing hand-built grand tourer, with early press car provenance and a superb factory specification.
• Under the bonnet is the 6.75-litre turbocharged Bentley V8, producing around 420hp and 650lb-ft of torque, coupled with a four-speed GM automatic transmission.
• An exceptionally rare modern classic; understood to be one of only 85 built in left-hand drive.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The Continental R Mulliner came with the Continental T specification engine at 420bhp, as well as flared wheel arches, sport bumpers and sills, a quicker steering rack, mesh grilles, and a single large-diameter tail pipe.
• While the original Construction & Test Records indicate that the car was intended for the 1999 Frankfurt motor show, it appears it was instead sent to the US for press car duties. First shown at Pebble Beach, documents reveal it was then sent to Vancouver, Canada, before re-entering the US on the East Coast to be put on display in New York (correspondence on file shows the Bentley was in North America when the Frankfurt show was taking place).
• As the car was a very early 2000 model year build, the US authorities required the car to be sent back to Bentley after this show tour, so that it could be properly designated for US import. It remained with Bentley Motors until it was sold to the first private owner.
• The Carfax report shows early history in California, and also includes time spent in Arizona and Montana. It has been owned by the current dealer vendor for just over a year.
• Accompanying the car is the original owner’s booklet set, a pair of matching umbrellas, a spare tire, battery tender, selected service and ownership documents, and early correspondence detailing its movements for the North America press tour in 1999.
• It is currently located in California, though the most recent title was issued in Pennsylvania in August 2020 at 41,451 miles. There is a bill of sale to the current vendor in the file.

Specification highlights:

• Selected Portland and Ascot hides
• Ascot stitching for all Portland Hides
• Single Ascot color steering wheel with Portland stitching
• Top roll colored HVAC ducts in Ascot
• Seat switch surround in Ascot
• Power folding door mirrors
• Ascot hide covered interior rearview mirror
• Continental R Mulliner special plaque
• Special exterior emblems with green accents
• Continental T oval exhaust
• Drilled foot pedals
• Garage door opener

CONDITION

• There is no evidence of any significant damage. A receipt from May 2018 shows repair and refinishing of the left fender.
• Its paintwork is reported to be in very good condition, with some minor evidence of road use around the front of the car. The bumpers show excellent panel fit, and the rest of the exterior trim is also in great shape. In October 2018, Auto Supershield in Florida applied paint protection film to the front of the car and the forward corners of the front fenders.
• In November 2019, the wheels were chrome plated by California Chrome Wheel Inc.
• Inside, the Portland and Ascot leather upholstery is in excellent order, with only a few very light marks on the trim. In 2017, the driver’s seat and centre console leather was reconditioned, while the front passenger seat and rear seats were thoroughly cleaned and protected. Its centre console was also re-trimmed, while the vents and airbag cover were dyed, all by Unique Upholstery LLC in Arizona. A new set of floor mats was also made.
• There are no known mechanical or electrical faults.

SERVICE HISTORY

• In early April 2021, Acme Motors renewed the brake fluid and engine oil, and in 2020 the same workshop also attended to one of the power mirrors. In May 2020, Fantasy Junction renewed the handbrake and linkage, and in March 2019 the front seat drive cables were repaired.
• The car had a more significant overhaul in 2018. Work carried out included fitment of new rear gas springs, plus a new air-conditioning circuit board, new rear suspension module, upper control arm bushings, and a replacement air pump drive belt.
• Specialist GT Motorworks also rebuilt the steering rack, replaced the front shock absorber bushes, rebuilt the brake calipers, fitted new brake hoses and pads, new motor mounts, a new cruise control module, fuel filter, and replaced the rear suspension accumulators.
• The car is reported to be in excellent mechanical order, with no issues with running and driving, and with the brakes pulling the car up to a stop promptly.

SUMMARY

This Bentley Continental R Mulliner is a remarkably refined and elegant cruiser, which boasts early press car provenance, and as such was particularly well-specified from the factory. Presented with very low mileage for its age and a handsome colour scheme, this will make a superb addition to any collection, and it is ready to impress not just the next owner but also anyone they care to join them to experience this Bentley’s cosseting ride and luxurious cabin.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All US-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars that were manufactured after 1981 are run through a CARFAX check. On the CARFAX report, this vehicle shows no record of accident damage or theft.