1992 Bentley Continental R Coupé

Registration no. K623 JHJ Chassis no. NCH42107

Footnotes

Bentley's 1980s resurgence had hitherto relied exclusively on models whose basic architecture was shared with other Rolls-Royce products, but on display at Geneva in 1985 was 'Project 90': a mocked-up coupé styled by Messrs John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, which was intended to gauge public response to the idea of a high-performance car unique to Bentley. When the real thing - the Bentley Continental R - was unveiled six years later, the waiting crowd burst into spontaneous applause. Again the work of Heffernan and Greenley, the Continental R benefited from computer-aided design and wind tunnel testing in the devising of its sleekly streamlined shape. Despite the need to incorporate non-traditional features such as doors recessed into the roof, the result looked every bit a Bentley, albeit one restated for the 1990s. Also new was the gearbox, a four-speed automatic with 'overdrive' top ratio, but the main focus of interest was the newcomer's performance. Needless to say, this was outstanding, the combination of the Turbo R engine in the new wind-cheating shape cutting the 0-60mph time to 6.2 seconds and boosting top speed to in excess of 150mph. Costing nearly £200,000 when new, the Bentley Continental R was the world's most expensive production car at that time.

One of only 1,335 built, this Continental R has belonged to the current vendor for the last 10 years and 50,000 glorious miles of UK and Continental motoring. Finished in British Racing Green with Magnolia leather upholstery and beautiful wood veneers, the Bentley has covered 105,000 miles from new (averaging 3,600 annually) and is presented in stunning condition.

During the vendor's ownership some £60,000 has been spent on refurbishment and restoration by well-known marque specialists including P&A Wood and Phantom Motors. This year's works included a complete suspension rebuild, a new transmission, and new 17" wheels and tyres at a cost of £25,000. Highlights include: Rebuilt engine management ECU, new air conditioning compressor, new alternator, new power steering pump, new radiator, replacement of flexible hoses where necessary, brakes, pumps, new active-ride ECU and rewiring where necessary, new valve stem oil seals, new air/fuel metering head and a new Alpine stereo head unit with Bluetooth connectivity

Provenance is everything with these cars, and this example comes with extensive and very detailed full service history (29 service stamps). This very attractive Grande Routière represents exceptional value for money, as well having the magical 'Bentley Continental' name.