Bentley Continental R

Once the most expensive car on sale in the world, costing £180,000 before options, the Bentley Continental R remains one of the most important cars the brand has ever produced.

This was the model that redefined Bentley. After decades of badge-engineering under Rolls-Royce ownership, the Continental R emerged as one of the first truly distinct Bentleys and a car that helped revive the marque’s sporting heritage.

The “R” stands for Roadholding, and Bentley meant it. Beneath the long bonnet sits the legendary 6.75-litre turbocharged V8, producing 360bhp and a colossal 500lb-ft of torque, delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. With Cosworth-derived cylinder heads and a Garrett turbocharger of heroic proportions, this 2.5-tonne grand tourer will surge to 60mph in around six seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph — extraordinary figures for something this luxurious.

At launch, it was the most powerful and fastest Bentley ever built.

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This example is particularly special.

Finished in Diamond Blue Silver Metallic, it is paired with a beautifully rare Surf Blue and Light Grey two-tone Connolly hide interior, complemented by deep-pile blue carpets and burr walnut veneers. The combination perfectly suits the Continental R’s blend of elegance, muscle, and occasion.

The car has covered just 43,681 miles from new, and presents in remarkable condition throughout. It has been kept in professional storage for much of the last decade and clearly cherished.

As with any Bentley of this era, history and maintenance are everything — and this car does not disappoint. In November 2020, at just 43,148 miles, over £8,600 was spent with Twentieth Century Motor Cars, covering a comprehensive mechanical refresh, brake and suspension work, air-conditioning service, underbody treatment, drainage clearing, leather conditioning, and numerous detail items. Since then, the car has been used sparingly.

Most recently, it was fully serviced in December 2025 at 43,678 miles by Outwood Cars Ltd, and it needs nothing at all. The mileage genuinely belies the age.

Serviced by recognised Bentley specialists throughout its life, including Ron Stratton, Appleyard Rippon, Cummings of Bodmin, Performance & Prestige Cars, and Twentieth Century Motor Cars, with a fully traceable service record spanning nearly three decades.

With only 1,236 Continental Rs built over an 11-year production run, finding a low-mileage, right-hand-drive example with this level of history and condition is becoming increasingly difficult.

This is a rare opportunity to own a true modern Bentley icon — a car that blends craftsmanship, presence, and effortless performance — at a fraction of its original cost.

And if you still need convincing… even Chris Harris bought one recently. He usually knows a thing or two about cars 😎

An exceptional example, ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.