The managing director of Rolls Royce Motor Cars in the early 1980’s could see the potential in the Bentley brand, which it had neglected for the prior 15 years and made up a very small percentage of the companies sales. It was decided that the company should build on Bentley’s sporting provenance and initially decided to Turbocharge its Mulsanne model. This proved to be an instant success and spurred the company on to design a two-door Coupe. The Bentley, pre-production, Continental R was secretly taken to the 1991 Geneva Motor Show where it was driven from behind a wall onto the Rolls Royce stand, completely upstaging the new Mercedes S Class.

The Bentley Continental R went into production in 1991 and continued until 2002. Showcasing many firsts for Bentley, the Continental R being the first Bentley motor car since the 60’s not to share a body with a Rolls-Royce of the same period. Powered by a 6.75 litre V8, Garrett-turbocharged, engine taken from the Bentley Turbo R the Continental represents one of the most luxurious and effortless large coupes ever made. Boasting impressive performance statistics with a top speed of 155mph and a sub 6 second 0-60 mph time. Fitted as standard with adaptive suspension, ventilated disc brakes the motoring press acknowledged the Continental as displaying superb handling characteristics at high speed.

The Bentley Continental R offered here at Autostorico is a 2001 “51” plate. Finished in Red Pearl Mica with Red Piped Parchment Hide, this stunning 4 owner example has covered just 40,574 miles from new. Specification highlights include; 17 “Alloy wheels, CD Auto-changer, Matrix radiator grille, Lambs wool over rugs, Climate control, Cruise control, Car phone, Rear centre armrest, Reverse sensors, Memory seats, Central locking, Bentley umbrellas, Car cover and Original tool kit.

A perfect opportunity to own such a stunning example of a true British hand built car, which will certainly appreciate over time.