They were motoring icons, and in many ways took the Grand Touring rulebook and rewrote it. Bentley first introduced the Continental designation with the beautiful R-Type Continental in 1952 - today arguably the most collectible post-war Bentley model. The Continental represented a higher level of tune and a sportier chassis; a car suited for fast journeys across continental Europe or similar.
Bentley Continentals were offered throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and the designation has always been synonymous with the top of the model range. The Motorcar Offered Re-introduced in 1984, the Continental once again represented the top of the line from Bentley. Hand built in very limited numbers; these extraordinarily powerful and sophisticated grand touring cars remained true to the Continental namesake.
One of very few Left Hand Drive Continental Convertibles built in these years, this fine motorcar was hand assembled at the Crewe Bentley and Rolls-Royce works during January of 1990. Finished in black over saddle leather hides, this example were naturally fitted with an extensive list of options and amenities these cars featured. Delivered new to Greenville, South Carolina, the car remained there until relocating to Beverly Hills, California in 1995 with about 10,000 miles on the odometer.
Here owned by a female music producer, the car would settle in the sunny Beverly Hills climate until the car moved east once again 10 years later. The car has since remained in Connecticut, where it has been serviced and maintained as needed by the specialists at Black Horse Garage in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Today the Continental remains in excellent original and well cared for condition, having had few owners and recording fewer than 34,000 documented miles since new.
The level of craftsmanship is nothing short of breathtaking, especially in the details of the burl wood dash and door treatments, the finely stitched interior upholstery and on most every panel in the cabin - all remains in very good order. Recent service work has included a rebuilt steering rack, replacement of the suspension accumulators and bushings, brake work and a tune up. This luxurious Bentley is presented with a clean CARFAX report, many service records, and its factory tool set, as well as service and owners manuals.
One of the world's last truly hand built motorcars, these rare Convertibles must be considered a benchmark of luxury, even by today's standards.