2003 | Bentley Continental R

Lot details

Year: 2003
Make: Bentley
Model: Continental R Final Edition
Registration: PA03 YOT
Chassis No: SCBZB26E73CH01868
Odometer: 78,350

• Comprehensive service history
• One of only 11 Final Edition cars
• Recently serviced at P&Wood

When Bentley introduced the Continental R at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991, it was met with spontaneous applause, just as the 'Project 90' coupe concept had back in 1985. The achingly beautiful four-seat coupe, based on the proven 'SZ' platform (as shared with the Silver Spur, Turbo R, Mulsanne, and others), marked the first time since 1965 that a production Bentley did not share a body with Rolls-Royce. The venerable 6.75 litre V8 wore a turbocharger, and was backed by a new gearbox, a GM-sourced four-speed automatic with 'Sport' mode for brisker acceleration. The main focus of interest was the newcomer's performance, which was outstanding, the combination of the Turbo R engine in the new wind-cheating shape cutting the 0-60mph time to under six seconds and boosting top speed in excess of 150mph. A series of special editions and variants followed, including the shortened Continental T, and the high-performance Mulliner editions. These models brought more aggressive styling with widened arches to accommodate larger wheels, along with significantly pumped-up versions of the venerable 6.75 litre V8 engine, bigger brakes, and tuned suspension. In ultimate specification, the V8 made 420bhp and a whopping 650lb-ft of torque, elevating the opulent coupe to supercar status. Bentley and Rolls-Royce have made quite a tradition out of offering 'Final Series' editions to commemorate the end of a model line. A clever ploy to drum up interest in an outgoing model, these special motorcars often become the most collectible of the range. In 2003, Bentley commemorated the end of Continental R production with a highly excusive Final Series Coupe by Mulliner, of which just 11 were produced for the world.

The car on offer here is the fifth of the eleven produced and is presented in Silver Storm over Black leather which is the same colour specification as the car the factory kept for their museum. First registered on 25th April 2003, it was bought by the 2nd owner from the Chelsea Workshop in February 2009 and serviced there throughout his ownership. The vendor himself purchased the car in 2023 and since then has had P&Wood look after it as they do with his other Bentleys, having each stored and serviced there as well. With 19 stamps in the service book, the car has just benefitted from a thorough service at P&Wood at a cost of almost exactly £5,000. In the past 10 years alone, the history file shows 10 receipts (all from the Chelsea Workshop) totalling £39,000, and this expenditure was before the latest P&Wood invoice. Importantly, from 1996 the Bentley models were fitted with larger 340mm discs, however the Final Series cars could be optioned with a rare (and expensive) Alcon brake upgrade. The vehicle specification for this example shows that it includes 'Silver Alcon brake calipers' and therefore has this upgrade. Thankfully these were all replaced - front and rear at 71,000 miles in January 2018. The parts alone were £7,000. This invoice is present and the sum included within the £39,000. Correct Pirelli P Zero Assimetrico front tyres have also been replaced in August 2021, only 2,000 miles ago.

Supplied with a V5C registration document, current MoT test certificate valid until May 2026, stamped service book and invoices for the work carried out. Showing only three former keepers and having been freshly serviced, this rare and most desirable of Continentals is now offered for sale at a very reasonable reserve. Consigned by Will Penrose