1999 Bentley Continental SC

6,753cc Turbocharged OHV V8 Engine
Computer Controlled Fuel Injection
400bhp at 4,150rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Power Assisted Vented Disc Brakes

*One of just 72 Continental SCs produced
*Has spent virtually its entire life in the New York City area
*Retailed for over $360,000 when new
*The bridge between the Continental R and Azure

THE CONTINENTAL SC

One of the more exclusive limited-edition variants of this already exclusive model was the Continental SC, its name referencing the exotic Sedanca Coupé bodied Bentleys of the 1930s. Launched at the 1998 Paris Show, the Continental SC featured a Targa-style removable roof, the glass panels being stored in the boot. While its restrained elegance suggests docility, the Continental SC is not lacking in performance, as Octane discovered when it drove one to the Villa d'Este concours in hot pursuit of a trio of supercars (October 2014 edition). "The SC may be massive, but it obviously isn't so massive that 400-odd horses can't give it genuinely impressive punch. The eerie part though, is the absolute silence." Clearly, the SC's designers had not lost sight of Bentley's reputation as 'The Silent Sports Car'.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

One of just 48 left-hand drive examples produced, this T-Top Bentley was delivered new to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in early March, 1999. Finished in Silver Pearl with Stratos (grey) leather and Graphite carpets, less than a year after delivery it made its way to the New York City area—where it would remain for the next two decades. According to its CARFAX report, two mileage reports in February and March of 2000—11 and 12 months after being delivered—indicated the car as having around 25,900 miles while a subsequent report in February of 2001 indicate a mileage of 4,578. It would appear these two earlier mileage readings were likely in error. Either way, in March of 2007 it was registered as having true mileage unknown with 14,589 miles on the ticker.

Today the car shows just under 60,000 miles from new—a figure which, barring the two entries from 2000, appears to be consistent with the car's actual mileage from new. Owned for many years by a New York City based enthusiast, it was actively driven and shown and was reported by him to have been maintained by the experts at Carriage House Motor Cars in Greenwich, Connecticut including a 2020 engine rebuild there—but there are no accompanying copies of service records.

An exceedingly rare machine, this Bentley is well suited to be driven and enjoyed without regard for mileage. Complete with copies of its factory records, books, tools, and more, it is the ultimate bridge between the sporting Continental R and the open Azure—and a car you are not likely to find coming the other direction.