Bentley Continental R
The Continental R marked Bentley's return to coachbuilding with the brand's first unique body since 1965. It's an accessible, hand-built super coupe today, but its immense performance is balanced by potentially high running costs.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Bentley Continental R ranges from $21,445 to $144,878, based on 288 sales tracked on Hypercars. 15 currently for sale.
The Bentley Continental R was a landmark model, representing the brand's first uniquely-bodied car since the 1965 S3 Continental. Launched in 1991, it broke from the era of re-badged Rolls-Royces and re-established Bentley's identity as a builder of high-performance grand tourers. Based on the Turbo R's floorpan, it used the venerable 6.75-liter turbocharged V8, offering effortless torque and a top speed over 150 mph. Its imposing presence and hand-finished interior made it one of the most expensive production cars in the world.
Collectors are drawn to the Continental R for its significance in Bentley's history and its pre-Volkswagen era craftsmanship. It's a true coachbuilt car with a character that modern Bentleys don't quite replicate. Later, more powerful variants like the Continental S and the short-wheelbase, wide-body Continental T are especially prized for their rarity and enhanced performance. The R combines traditional luxury with surprising speed, making it a usable and charismatic classic.
The market for the Continental R offers incredible value, with an average sale price around $45,000. This is a fraction of its original cost, making it an accessible entry into the world of hand-built British coupes. However, values are highly dependent on condition, service history, and mileage. While pristine examples can fetch over $125,000, many cars trade for much less because potential buyers are aware of the steep maintenance costs. A well-documented car is worth a significant premium over one with a spotty past.
Buying Tips
- Insist on a complete service history from a known specialist. Deferred maintenance on the engine or transmission can lead to bills that easily surpass the car's value.
- Scrutinize the hydraulic system, which powers the brakes and suspension. Check for warning lights, leaks, and proper operation, as repairs are complex and expensive.
- Test all electronics thoroughly. Power seats, windows, climate control, and central locking are common failure points, and diagnosing them can be time-consuming.
- Inspect the steel body carefully for rust, particularly around the wheel arches, windscreen, and rear window. Check for consistent panel gaps and signs of poor accident repair.
Prices range from about $8,000 for project cars to over $125,000 for the most pristine, low-mileage examples.
288 Bentley Continental R vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 15 currently live. Sold prices range from $2,500 to $325,000.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bentley Continental R cost?
Based on 288 sales tracked on Hypercars, Bentley Continental R prices typically range from $21,445 to $144,878. There are 15 currently for sale.
How many Bentley Continental R listings are for sale right now?
There are 15 Bentley Continental R listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.