Lot details

Year: 2002
Make: Bentley
Model: Continental R Mulliner Widebody
Registration: DG02 NTF
Chassis No: SCBZB25E32CH01785
Engine No: 103593L410M/T2W
Mileage: 72,000
(a): Impeccable service history, 32 services on record
(b): Owned by a RREC Committee member for 13 years
(c): Exceedingly rare, just 148 examples built globally

From its motor car production in 1921, the Bentley name has remained synonymous with prestige, performance and luxury. The 'Continental' designation recalls the Bentley Continental of the post-war period. The 'R' was meant to recall the R-Type Bentleys from the 1950s as well as the Turbo R of the 1980s. This series boasts the most powerful engine after the Continental T and has a power output of 420bhp and a maximum torque of 650 ft-lb. The car could be pushed to a staggering top speed of some 170mph. Bentley's 1980s resurgence relied exclusively on models whose basic architecture was shared with other Rolls-Royce models however; the Bentley Continental R was unique to the Bentley marque. Despite the need to incorporate non-traditional features such as doors recessed into the roof, the result looked every bit a Bentley, albeit one re-stated for the 1990s and beyond.

The car we have here is really rather special, it is one of just 148 Mulliner widebody examples produced and was specified from new in Silver Storm with Cotswold hide. The car was originally registered to Bentley Motors Ltd and then Michael Powels Ltd as a franchise dealer. The car then passed through two short term private owners before being purchased in 2006 by a Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club committee member, who owned and simply cherished the car for 13 years until his passing, spending £25,000 on it during his 13-year tenure. The car is very well known in Rolls-Royce and Bentley circles and it is said that the car was the committee member's pride and joy, maintaining it regardless of cost. Our vendor is a true enthusiast, who likes his cars to be perfect and in September of 2024, he chose to have the car resprayed at a cost of £12,000, so it now presents in extremely good condition. The interior of the car is also in excellent order, the Cotswold hide is only gently patinated, with no major wear or marks to any of the leather. The carpets and trim are French Navy and are also in remarkable condition, as are the Burr Walnut facias and door cappings.

The service history this car has, is nothing short of remarkable. It has been serviced 32 times in 22 years and has a huge history file to back the work up. The most recent service was carried out in October 2024 by Iain Tyrrell Classic Cars. The car was kept and enjoyed by the late long term owner's family from 2018 to 2021, before being treated to a thorough £8,478.23 recommissioning by Silver Lady who were instructed to completely prepare the car for sale. Our vendor purchased the car following its recommissioning and has thoroughly enjoyed it since November 2021, taking it to various shows and adding more rosettes to the collection that have been amassed over the years. The car is now being offered for sale due to a downsizing of our vendor's collection and with the car being in its best condition, he felt that now would be the best time to offer this car to market. This Continental can be bought safe in the knowledge that is has been in fastidious ownership for it's whole life and has always had money lavished upon it to ensure it is in the best condition it possibly can be. Consigned by Fraser Smith