Lot details
Registration No: N986PYN
Chassis No: SCBZB15C2TCH53046
Mot Expiry: June 2013

Though launched at the Geneva Motorshow of 1991, many elements of the John Heffernan/Ken Greenley-penned Continental R had been seen at the same Salon as far back as 1984, when Bentley unveiled their `Project 90' concept car; a suitably enthusiastic reception leading the company to develop the design for production. Clearly the Sultan of Brunei approved of the end result, as he bought the 1991 show car from the exhibition stand.

The newcomer was based on the Turbo R floorpan and powered by that model's 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine, complete with alloy cylinder heads, Bosch K-Motoronic fuel injection and digital ignition system. The unit was believed (Rolls-Royce/Bentley never used to quoted output figures) to produce in the region of 325bhp and a stump-pulling 750 newton metres of torque. Whatever, it was sufficient to give a top speed of some 145mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of around 6.6 seconds - the best of any Bentley in its day. The engine was coupled to the then new 4-speed GM 4L80-E transmission. Unlike all other Bentleys since the S3 of 1965, its body was unique to the marque and not shared with any model from the related Rolls-Royce range. The Continental R was produced from 1991 to 2003, during which time some 1,290 examples were made.

Finished in Red with Magnolia leather upholstery, this particular example has reportedly had just one former keeper. Described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, `N986 PYN' is understood to have covered some 81,500 miles from new (a figure apparently substantiated by the sixteen stamps which comprise its "full Rolls-Royce / Bentley service history up to 78,522 miles"). Riding on correct-type alloy wheels, this imposing Continental R is offered for sale with tracker and related certificate, MOT valid until June 2013 and road fund licence valid until December 31st 2012.