1990 Bentley Continental Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: G292VHM
Chassis No: SCBZD00A4LCH30149
Mot Expiry: None

The first production Rolls-Royces and Bentleys to bear the Corniche moniker were the Coupe and Convertible versions of the Silver Shadow/ T-Type of 1971. In common with the Saloon, they were penned in-house by John Polwhele Blatchley and the underbody and floorpan crafted by Pressed Steel Fisher. Power was provided by the company's venerable all-alloy 6.75-litre V8 mated to a GM Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. Suspension was independent by coil springs all round, augmented by a Citroen-originated hydraulic self-levelling system. Braking was by discs, with ventilated units being phased in for 1972. Though not immediately dubbed as such, the Series II version of the Corniche arrived in 1977, bringing with it rack and pinion steering and alloy and rubber bumpers. Running changes included the adoption of the rear suspension from the Silver Spirit, plus a modified hood, retractable Flying Lady mascot and Bosch fuel injection in order to comply with changes in legislation around the world. On a mission to restore some individuality to the marque, Rolls-Royce changed the moniker of the Bentley Corniche to Continental in 1984. The Series III derivative followed five years later, bringing new alloy wheels and the provision of air bags as standard. The bumpers were now colour keyed and the suspension updated once more.

This right-hand drive, home market Continental was manufactured in 1990 and sports Silver Grey bodywork and Grey hood complemented by Cream leather upholstery. The registered keeper purchased it from the Chelsea Workshop as recently as May 2010 for the sum of £57,000. The odometer currently reads an unwarranted 78,896 miles, few of which were apparently added before this last owner sadly passed away - hence the Bentley's current availability. 'G292 VHM' is being sold complete with the last bill of sale, handbooks and Alpine stereo system inclusive of remote control unit.