1997 Bentley Continental R

Registration No: T.B.A
Chassis No: SCBZB15C4VCH53312
MOT: October 2024

• Just five registered keepers
• Only 72,251 miles from new
• Comprehensive main dealer service history
• In very good condition inside and out

The Continental R, code-named ‘Nepal’ by the engineering department, was designed and built entirely at Crewe. It filled the space left by the Camargue, sharing with that model an eye-watering list price. When launched in 1991, the initial press release had the price as £160,000, only for that to be tweaked upwards to £175,000 soon afterwards, when the new VAT rate was announced in that year’s budget. The sleek shape benefitted from work in the wind tunnel; the windscreen was raked to lower the vehicle’s drag coefficient, enhancing fuel consumption, lowering wind noise and raising the model’s top speed. It is said that when the model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the assembled audience broke out into spontaneous applause, with the Geneva Show car being sold to the Sultan of Brunei on the spot! Riding on 16-inch wheels with low profile Avon tyres, the new Continental R was powered by the company’s revered 6750cc V8 engine, now using a new four-speed GM automatic transmission The 325bhp turbocharged power unit would offer a near 150mph top speed and somehow heave Bentley’s 2.4-tonne bulk to 60mph in just over six seconds.

The stylish Bentley Continental R offered here was delivered new to its first proud owner through Stratton Motor Company of Stratford, Cheshire on the 4^th of April 1997. The second keeper, IPA Print Associated of Amersham, acquired the Bentley on the 26^th of May 2000 but sold it on shortly afterwards to Mr R. Waddingham of Gerrards Cross who would keep the Continental R for the next 21 years. The car entered the current vendor’s ownership due to family circumstances and with the Bentley now being surplus to requirements it has been decided to offer the car for sale. Strikingly finished in Black Emerald, a very Dark Green, with Sandstone fine coachlines complemented by a Sandstone and special order Ascot Green Connolly hide interior with Dark Green Wilton carpets, this is about as ‘Bentley’ as it gets. From the thick history file it is clear that this Continental R has been pampered all of its life. Servicing has only been entrusted to the most reputable of Bentley main dealers with invoices form H.R. Owen, Jack Barclay, Bentley Pangbourne and, most recently, P&A Wood. Showing just 72,251 miles from new and offered with the aforementioned history file, its original owner’s book pack and a current V5, this is an exceptional example of one of the last true Bentley grand tourers.

Please note: The registration number shown in the photos is not offered with the car. An age related registration has been applied for.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904