LOT 125
2003 Bentley Continental R Mulliner 'Final Series' VIN. SCBZB25E13CX01864
Sold for US$128,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 125
From the Ernie Boch Jr. Collection
The first of just 11 Final Series Coupes produced
2003 Bentley Continental R Mulliner 'Final Series'
The first of just 11 Final Series Coupes produced
2003 Bentley Continental R Mulliner 'Final Series'
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
2003 Bentley Continental R Mulliner 'Final Series'
VIN. SCBZB25E13CX01864
VIN. SCBZB25E13CX01864
6,750cc OHV Turbocharged V8 Engine
Zytec EMS3 Engine Management
420bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension, Electronic Ride Control
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*The first serial number of 11 Final Series coupes produced
*Just six built in left-hand drive
*Exquisite condition, with just 5,432 miles from new
*Beautifully finished in Black over Cotswold leather
*Shown at the 2019 Concours d'Elegance of America, St. Johns
*Clean CARFAX report and copy of original window sticker
*In the current collection since 2017
THE BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R
When Bentley introduced the Continental R at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991, it was met with spontaneous applause, just as the 'Project 90' coupe concept had back in 1985. The achingly beautiful four-seat coupe, based on the proven 'SZ' platform (as shared with the Silver Spur, Turbo R, Mulsanne, and others), marked the first time since 1965 that a production Bentley did not share a body with Rolls-Royce. The venerable 6.75-liter V8 wore a turbocharger, and was backed by a new gearbox, a GM-sourced four-speed automatic with 'Sport' mode for brisker acceleration. The main focus of interest was the newcomer's performance, which 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.
A series of special editions and variants followed, including the shortened Continental T, and the high-performance Mulliner editions. These models brought more aggressive styling with widened arches to accommodate larger wheels, along with significantly pumped-up versions of the venerable 6.75-liter V8 engine, bigger brakes, and tuned suspension. In ultimate specification, the V8 made 420bhp and a whopping 650lb-ft of torque, elevating the opulent coupe to supercar status.
THE CAR OFFERED
Bentley and Rolls-Royce have made quite a tradition out of offering "Final Series" editions to commemorate the end of a model line. A clever ploy to drum up interest in an outgoing model, these special motorcars often become the most collectible of the range. In 2003, Bentley commemorated the end of Continental R production with a highly excusive Final Series Coupe by Mulliner, of which just 11 were produced for the world, and only six of which were left drive. The car offered here holds the distinction of being "first of the last" as it were – being the first serial number of the Final Series run.
Displaying a scant 5,432 miles at the time of cataloguing, this exquisite example is finished in Black over gorgeous Cotswold beige leather. In addition to the full-chat 420 horsepower engine, the Final Series Package includes high-performance braking with red calipers, chrome wheels, front wing vents, diamond-quilted sport seats, additional gauges and red starter button, among other fitments. The accompanying original window sticker shows this car retailed for $328,990 in 2003 – the equivalent of over $550,000 in today's money.
The accompanying CARFAX report is clean, showing ownership in Michigan, prior to joining the current collection in 2017, with regular servicing noted.
Undoubtedly a collector grade example, evidenced by its appearance at the 2019 Concours d'Elegance of America, St. Johns, this exceedingly rare, low mileage, and beautifully preserved Bentley Continental R Mulliner Final Series is a spectacular celebration of this eminently desirable super-coupe.
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