1997 Bentley Continental R California Edition Coupe

6,753cc Turbocharged OHV V8 Engine
Computer Controlled Fuel Injection
386bhp at 4,150rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Power Assisted Vented Disc Brakes

*Just under 41,000 miles from new
*The fifth of only 6 Continental R California Edition Coupes built
*Numerous Continental T styling features
*$28,000 in recent service records

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

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 '85 was 'Project 90', a mocked-up coupé 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 at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991, the waiting crowd burst into spontaneous applause. Styled with the assistance of consultants International Automotive Design, 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 'Sport' mode for brisker acceleration, 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 (0-97km/h) time to under 6 seconds and boosting top speed to in excess of 150mph (241km/h). Maximum torque – a mighty 550 lb-ft – arrived at a lowly 2,000rpm. The Continental R was in production at the Crewe factory from 1991 through 2002, and only 1,236 were manufactured during this time.

As if being one of the lucky 72 individuals to have ordered a left-hand drive Continental R wasn't enough, you could have ordered a special California Edition (alternatively known as the Beverly Hills) Continental R Coupe. A dealer limited edition, it featured numerous unique features including chromed headlight rings, body-colored mirrors and front and rear spoilers, Continental T bumpers fore and aft, Continental T flared wheel arches covering T-sourced 18-inch 285/45 rims, stainless steel oval exhaust tip, turbo boost gauge in the center gauge stack and more. It was a veritable Conti T with extra rear legroom and of the six made, each one was uniquely spec'ed—this one being the only example with a body-colored radiator grill surround.

Of little surprise, it was delivered new to California and spent the two decades of its existence between La Jolla, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, Florida. Finished in Arctic White over Sandstone and Soft Tan two-tone seats with tan carpets, it is the fifth of six California Editions produced—as indicated on its kick plates. Of the fewer than 41,000 miles on the clock today, half were accumulated in the first four years with only another 10,000 click added in the past 17 years. In the present ownership, it had a major, 30,000 mile service in 2019, and brake work (as well as other service) in 2020—all performed by Bentley of Zionsville, Indiana with service receipts from the last three years totaling $28,000.

A well-presented machine replete with books, recent service records, copies of factory build sheets and more, it is equally at home on Worth Ave, Rodeo Dr, Fifth Ave, or wherever classy folks congregate.