LOT 349
1987 Bentley Continental Drophead Coachwork by H J Mulliner, Park Ward VIN. SCBZB42A8HCX1685
Estimate: US$85,000 - US$115,000
Lot 349
1987 Bentley Continental Drophead Coachwork by H J Mulliner, Park Ward
Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|11 October 2020, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
1987 Bentley Continental Drophead
Coachwork by H J Mulliner, Park Ward
VIN. SCBZB42A8HCX1685
Coachwork by H J Mulliner, Park Ward
VIN. SCBZB42A8HCX1685
6,750cc OHV V8 Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
Est. 220bhp at 4,100rpm
3-Speed GM Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
*Iconic Bentley Convertible
*Attractive Color Scheme
*Maintained by Marque Specialist
*Hand built and very limited production
*Wonderful car for RROC and BDC events
The Bentley Continental
A key factor in Rolls-Royce's marketing strategy for the 1980s was the re-launch of Bentley. To rekindle interest in the marque, a glorious name from its past was resurrected - 'Continental' - and applied to the two-door model previously known, like its Rolls-Royce equivalent, as the Corniche. An inspired move, the Bentley's 1984 name change had the desired effect; sales, which in the 13 years since the Corniche's launch had amounted to a mere 77 Bentley-badged cars, totaling 421 for the succeeding 11 years of Continental production.
Introduced in March 1971, the Corniche was a revised version of the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied two-door variants of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series saloons, themselves notable as the Crewe factory's first unitary-construction cars. In Corniche form Rolls-Royce's well-tried 6.7-litre V8 produced around ten percent more power than standard and proved capable of propelling the car to a top speed in excess of 120mph, with sports car-beating acceleration to match. The model proved a major success for Bentley, and although its exterior style remained recognizably Silver Shadow, the Corniche/Continental benefited from the regular up-dates and improvements made to the contemporary Silver Spirit range, remaining in production well into the 1990s, the last (Convertible) examples being delivered in 1995.
The Motorcar Offered
According to the car fax on file this particular Bentley Continental was delivered to New Jersey in January of 1987. It is stated that the original color was red with a tan leather interior- a popular color scheme for Bentley Motors in the 1980s. In 1993 the car had made the short trip over to New York and had traveled less than 7,000 miles.
The consigner purchased this car from Champion Auto in Long Island, in 2017. At that time, it was still in its original red color scheme and was professionally repainted to its current green. The original interior was in very good order and was retained.
The car has been mechanically serviced by Rolls Royce and Bentley Specialist J.E. Robison Service in Springfield, MA, and extensive receipts are on file.
The Bentley Continental convertible was a very limited production car. All were hand built in the factory in Crewe. The attention to detail and build quality are absolutely suburb. The legendary 6.75 liter, hand built V8 provides an incredibly smooth flow of power, and the suspension is also exquisitely comfortable. These are great cars for RROC and BDC events. The opportunity to acquire it should not be missed.
Saleroom notices
Please note the correct VIN number for this vehicle is SCBZD42A8HCX16859, also, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.
Additional information
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