1994 Bentley Continental R

Originally supplied by Dutton Forshaw, Preston, this Bentley Continental R is presented in one of the most desirable colour combinations: Royal Blue with Silverstone Grey Hide piped in Blue.

It comes with a superb service history, with the original supplying dealer looking after it until the year 2000, and the car receiving two (yes two!) services per year until 2002. The standard of care afforded a vehicle in its early years is particularly crucial to its condition later on in life so potential bidders can take huge confidence from the above.

The original purchaser travelled to Bentley’s factory to spec the car (why wouldn’t you?), paying a deposit of £15,000 to do so and with the eye-watering balancing payment made on receipt of the vehicle. It’s worth noting that the next owner of this vehicle will likely be paying around double the original deposit, if not less – just saying.

The included V5C document shows a total of five owners from new. Vendor Stephen actually purchased this vehicle from us in November of last year and while fully enjoying the car, he’s found that the area where he lives has changed his long-term plans for it: “unfortunately it’s just too big for the country lanes around my house and I find myself spending too much time in the verges.”

Stephen’s size related woes mean that this fine, fine and did we mention, fine, Coupe is now up for grabs.

It’s a handsome thing; imposing at both front and rear, and elegant in side profile. For us, there’s no doubt it shares that alluring visual DNA that all the finest Bentley Coupes display.

The Royal Blue paintwork is in excellent fettle with a deep lustre and rich finish. The car’s long flanks remain straight and true – with excellent panel fit all round.

There are one or two small marks commensurate with age, including a stone chip or two & some slight corrosion on the bonnet and front lower valance. The front bumper has some scratches just ahead of the grille and there also some marks to the corners – all of these were noted when we last sold the vehicle.

The 17-inch alloy wheels remain in fine condition and wear Avon Turbospeed tyres, as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Remaining tread on each is healthy, too.

It’s an exceedingly smart exterior picture.

Pop the driver’s door and you’ll find the best cabin in the world circa 1994 – it is wonderful. You’ll find a profusion of the best leather (here in Silverstone Grey piped Blue), top-of-the-range wood veneers and thick lambs wool over mats. You’d better live in a nice house otherwise you’ll be tempted to move in here.

The burr walnut dash is superb, as are door cards and headlining. There are a few tiny marks on the driver’s door wood capping, but that’s it. As you’d expect of a well looked after example, all electrics function exactly as they should.

“A small section of the leather on top of the dashboard has come away, but just needs sticking back,” notes Stephen.

At the rear, the boot is finished in matching Blue piped Blue carpets and is pretty much immaculate. Have a root around and you’ll find the housing and gubbings for the car’s top-of-the-range Alpine stereo system.

Stephen says that this car drives superbly and performance is exactly as you’d imagine: absolutely brutal in a straight line. “Braking is 1994 vintage, but there is an upgrade kit available”. He himself was going to go down that route if he kept the car. “I’ve not had to do much to it during my ownership, just a check of those brakes which cost £160.”

The underside of the car presents very well; there’s an absence of surface corrosion that indicates a well looked after example. Instead, you’ll find it very well protected.

Lifting the bonnet reveals a very tidy engine bay, with that big turbocharged V8 front and centre – woof.

In the car’s history file you’ll find a large number of documents showing just how well this Continental R has been looked after. You’ll also find the original vehicle order, which contains full specification details for the car.

The book pack is present, as is the all-important service book. Flick through it and you’ll find a huge and very comprehensive service history, carried out by a combination of main dealers (early history) and latterly independent specialists. As we mentioned, up until 2002, the owner had two services carried out almost every year! If you buy the best then it’s worth looking after it in the best possible manner. Post 2002, and as annual mileage decreased significantly, this calmed down to a service conducted most years.

It’s worth flicking through the various invoices for added peace of mind. It’s had various pieces of work carried out through the years including a replacement shock absorber, reconditioned seat ECU, a coil spring and a brake calliper here and there. If it’s needed it, then it’s received it.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to an excellent standard.

This is one big, brutal and handsome Coupe. If you’re after sheer road presence then it doesn’t get better than this. Step inside and you cocoon yourself in luxury, nail the throttle and you unleash intergalactic planetary travel acceleration capabilities – say goodbye to a high proportion of other road users in an instant. There’s further kudos to be had in knowing that you’re piloting a car that, at one point, was the most expensive in the world.

Given all of the above, we expect this very well looked after example of this fine breed to sell for somewhere between £33,000 and £37,000. I know. It’s criminal isn’t it?

One further thing to consider is that, while yes they may depreciate, handsome Bentley Coupes such as this never go out of fashion. Go on, you know you want to.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located at The Market’s Abingdon HQ; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.