Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 48
1997 Bentley Continental T Coupe Design by Pininfarina VIN. SSCBZU22C4VCX53487
Sold for US$89,600 inc. premium
Lot 48
1997 Bentley Continental T Coupe
1997 Bentley Continental T Coupe
Design by Pininfarina
VIN. SSCBZU22C4VCX53487
Design by Pininfarina
VIN. SSCBZU22C4VCX53487
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
*Just under 14,000 miles from new
*One of only 321 Continental T coupes built
*Well maintained in beautiful condition
*The fastest and most expensive Bentley available in 1997
THE BENTLEY CONTINENTAL T
Introduced in June 1996, the Continental T was a short-wheelbase version of the Continental R, the latter being notable as the first Bentely not to share bodywork with Rolls-Royce since 1965. To create the edgier, more muscular T, engineers shaved some 4 inches (100mm) out of the chassis aft of the doors. With 400bhp at its disposal and crouching aggressively on 18" wheels, the low-slung Continental T looked every inch the thoroughbred Bentley sports car, the cockpit with its engine-turned dashboard recalling the heroic exploits of W.O.'s 1920s racers. The engine start button was another neat 'retro' touch, blending sporting attitude with typical Bentley opulence. Despite weighing as much as two Ford Mondeos, the luxuriously appointed Continental T delivered thumping performance, racing to 60mph in a tire-shredding 5.8 seconds on an ocean of torque, and storming to a (governor limited) top speed of 155mph. Equally eye-watering was the price: $324,500 at the time of launch.
THE CAR OFFERED
Finished in an appropriately sinister shade of black over two-tone Sandstone/Soft Tan hides, this Continental T is an obviously cherished example that has covered fewer than 14,000 miles since new. According to factory records on file, this car was completed in June of 1997, and shipped to Chaisson Motor Cars in Las Vegas, Nevada, via the Port of Los Angeles. Factory build sheets show it was sent to Mulliner Park Ward for additional bespoke fittings including the thick-rimmed steering wheel trimmed in two-tone leather, special door caps, engine-turned fascia, and other fine details.
Sold new to Georgia, the Bentley spent time in New York and Iowa before being exported to Switzerland by the penultimate owner. The current owner acquired it in March of 2020 and has driven it about 1,000 miles in his tenure. According to the CARFAX, it should be noted that a 2015 listing from a dealer appeared to erroneously list the mileage as "15,000" but the mileage otherwise appears to continue apace and be correctly reflected today.
As offered, the cabin is beautifully well-preserved, pointing to a life of fastidious care. In current ownership, the car was serviced by noted specialist at Aston Martin is New England and the Bond Group. This well-maintained, low-mileage example will certainly not disappoint its next custodian, and with its straight black finish, silver factory alloys, and chunky Pirelli tires filling out the wide arches, this Continental T is the quintessential modern Bentley muscle car.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the vin was published incorrectly. The correct vin on title reads SCBZU22C4VCX53487. As with all Bentley Continental Ts, the design was not done by Pininfarina.
Additional information
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