1993 | Bentley Continental R

The Bentley Continental R was a rather significant car, a true landmark in the history of Bentley. Launched in 1991 it was the first Bentley with an entirely bespoke body since the mid 1960s. It was born at a time when Bentleys were usually little more than rebadged Rolls-Royces, although the Turbo R saloon had shown there was an appetite for something a little sportier. This sublime Grand Tourer with a stonking, turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 was a compelling combination of old-world Bentley charm, handsome lines and thunderous performance. Designed by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, the Continental R took the Turbo R underpinnings as a starting point but clothed them in a two-door coupe body that had no Rolls-Royce equivalent. Here was a marque in the process of re-forging its own identity. The result was the fastest, most powerful Bentley Automobile of its day, and the most expensive production car in the world at its introduction : you could buy a Ferrari 550 Maranello AND a Porsche 993 Turbo for less money.... Bentley Motors described the car as being more than simply sufficient, which says it all.

We purchased this stunning Bentley Continental R because of its excellent condition and gorgeous colour combination of Bentley Racing Green with an interior in Spruce piped St. James Red. Also the carpets are matching red and give the car a magnificent appearance which is nothing short of spectacular. This Continental R was built in the third quarter of 1993, which makes it a 1994 MY car with the improved 360 bhp engine and beautifully styled 17" alloys. The car was delivered on the 28th of November 1993 by Auto Becker in Düsseldorf to the first owner, a well-known German industrialist and philantropist. The Bentley comes with a fully stamped service book confirming the mileage and good service history, and we had the car extensively serviced by Brabo Bentley in Holland in March 2024 at a mileage of 83.294 km. Since this service, we have used the Continental R for some longer trips, and the car really is a fantastic grand tourer. The huge turbocharged 6.75-litre powerplant performs effortlessly with a sophisticated and noble sound, demonstrating its fine and mannered grace. The interior is a very comfortable place to spend time, providing more than ample space in the front and treating rear seat occupants to a luxurious journey like no other.

The Bentley Continental R is a beautiful hand-built coupé (probably one of the best car designs from the nineties) which is also very rare with only 1236 built. This example is finished in a magnificent and stylish colour combination, is in exceptional original condition and ready for immediate use. The prices of these stately coupes can only rise in the coming years now that they have achieved classic status, and every mile driven with this mighty Bentley is unforgettable. It is up to you to come and test it out.