LOT 139
1985 Bentley Continental Convertible VIN. SCBZD42A9FCX10372 Engine no. 10372
Estimate: US$140,000 - US$180,000
Lot 139
1985 Bentley Continental Convertible
1985 Bentley Continental Convertible
VIN. SCBZD42A9FCX10372
Engine no. 10372
VIN. SCBZD42A9FCX10372
Engine no. 10372
6,750cc OHV V8 Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
Est. 220bhp at 4,100rpm
3-Speed GM Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
*Extremely rare alternative to the Rolls-Royce Corniche
*Fantastic Brewster Green with Tan Connolly hides
*Sold new by Carriage House Motor Cars
*Previous long-term single-family ownership
*Believed to have 21,700 miles from new
*Includes mouton rugs, flasks and bar set, and other factory accessories
THE BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
Introduced in March 1971, the Corniche was a revised version of the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied two-door variants of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series saloons, themselves notable as the Crewe factory's first unitary-construction cars. In Corniche form, Rolls-Royce's well-tried 6.7-liter V8 produced around ten percent more power than standard and proved capable of propelling the car to a top speed in excess of 120mph, with sports car-beating acceleration to match. The model was carried over by Bentley, and although its exterior style remained recognizably Silver Shadow, the Corniche/Continental benefited from the regular up-dates and improvements from the contemporary Silver Spirit range. A key factor in Rolls-Royce's marketing strategy for the 1980s was to play to Bentley's sporting heritage. To rekindle interest in the marque, a glorious name from its past was resurrected - 'Continental' - and applied to the two-door model previously known as the Corniche. An inspired move, Bentley's 1984 name change had the desired effect on sales. In the 13 years since the Corniche's launch, a mere 77 were Bentley-badged cars, while that grew to 421 for the succeeding 11 years when it became the Continental. Remaining in production well into the 1990s, the last convertible examples were delivered in 1995.
THE CAR OFFERED
Resplendent in its Brewster Green paint with tan Connolly hides, this elegant Bentley Continental convertible was first sold by Carriage House Motor Cars in Greenwich, Connecticut. According to the accompanying CARFAX report, this car remained on the East Coast for nearly all its life, receiving regular attention from Bentley of Paramus, New Jersey, and other local specialists. Mileage reports on the CARFAX do not appear until 1994, when the car showed 17,438 miles. However, subsequent entries track the mileage, showing consistent yet limited use. It is believed that the approximately 21,700 shown today are true and are consistent with this car's excellent condition and quality.
Reflective of its cherished history and low recorded miles, this Continental is in wonderful condition throughout. It sits level and proud on the road on silver finish alloys wrapped in Michelin radials and features attractive body-color bumpers. Brewster Green is an especially fetching color, especially against this car's tan Connolly leather upholstery. Tan pinstripes, a green leather dash top and green carpet binding tie it all together quite nicely, indeed. Of course, the seats, windows, and black top are all power operated. Accessories include the original flask and bar glass set (for passengers only when on the move, thank you), tan mouton over mats, a period integrated Motorola phone, and the later addition of a Pioneer in-dash AM/FM/CD player with boot-mounted Rockford Fosgate amplifiers. There's also a full complement of vin-matched books and manuals and the factory roadside jack.
Reported by the consignor to be an outstanding example, this rare Bentley Continental delivers the luxury and style of its Corniche sibling, but in a slightly more subtle manner – particularly in this car's classic Brewster Green livery.
Additional information
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