Lot 158 - 1994 Bentley Continental R
| Lot Number | 158 |
| Registration | M340 ARE |
| Chassis Number | SCBZB03C9SCH52388 |
| Engine Number | 82123L410M/TKR |
| Odometer reading | 99,087 miles |
| Result | Sold - £19,040 |
- Originally a Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd press car
- Recently had the head gaskets replaced
Though launched at the Geneva Salon of 1991, many elements of the John Heffernan/Ken Greenley-penned Continental R had been seen at the same event as far back as 1984, when Bentley unveiled their `Project 90' concept car; a suitably enthusiastic reception leading the company to develop the car for production. Clearly the Sultan of Brunei approved of the end result, as he bought the 1991 show car at the exhibition. The new car was based on the Turbo R floor-pan and powered by that model's 6.75 litre turbocharged, V8 engine, which was believed (the Rolls-Royce/Bentley company of the day never quoted horsepower figures) to produce in the region of 325bhp. Whatever, it was sufficient to give a top speed of some 145mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of around 6.6 seconds - no mean performance for a car weighing in at some 2.5 tons and the best of any Bentley in its day. The engine drove through the then new four-speed transmission. Unlike all other Bentleys since the S3 of 1965, its body was unique to the marque and not shared with any model of Rolls-Royce.
Originally registered as a press car to Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd and bearing the infamous registration plate of 1800 TU, this Bentley was displayed all over Europe. Finished in the delightful colour combination of Red Pearl and Sandstone interior piped in red, this Bentley has had new tyres fitted to the front and had the head gaskets replaced at a cost of circa £9,000. Supplied with a V5C registration document together with a current MoT test certificate valid until 16th February 2019 and all of the original service books confirming, this has been a well looked after example. A Bentley Continental R is a superb vehicle to drive with performance and handling that was exceptional when new and taking into account this car is 24 years old, the condition is excellent.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.