As the 1990s unfurled, the luxury car segment was abuzz with great automotive engineering marvels. Exceptional flagships like Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class (W140), Lexus’s LS400, and Toyota’s Century lead the pack with their technologically advanced features and unmatched comfort. However, the hand-built, opulent-appointed grand tourers from established British marques, including Rolls Royce and – of course – Bentley, were in a league of their own. Embodying tradition and innovation, the 1994 Bentley Brooklands continued this very legacy of exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled refinement. With an iconic Rolls-Royce 6.75-litre V8 powering the Brooklands, it delivered an effortless performance in a powerful yet majestic way. More importantly, the Brooklands stood as a base trim to the expensive, more powerful Bentley Turbo R and cost a low-ish $156,500. Today, the Brooklands offers an ‘approachable’ entry-point into the world of Bentley, with well-maintained examples available at a modest $34,000, and some even found lurking around the $23,000 mark!
In 1992, Bentley unveiled the Brooklands, replacing the outgoing Mulsanne S and Eight Models and marking a new chapter in Bentley’s storied lineage. The full-sized luxury saloon was introduced as a 'base' trim to the Turbo R, a much faster (and more expensive) grand tourer by Bentley, targeting those who craved effortless speed – at a discount. While the absence of a turbocharger may have been noteworthy, the Brooklands stood on par with classic Bentley cues and styling, featuring a sumptuously crafted interior wrapped in swathes of leather and timeless technology. More importantly, the styling echoed the outgoing Rolls Royce models, including the RR Spirit and Dawn, reflecting the shared design elements and design platforms as the two marques operated under the same umbrella. Eventually, in 1992, Bentley launched the Brooklands L series, which offered additional legroom for a true, first-class ride. As production runs were kept to a low 172 units, the Brooklands L demands collector-worthy prices.
The 1994 Bentley Brooklands sources a Rolls-Royce 6.75-liter V8 engine, pumping out a healthy 224 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque via a GM-sourced 4-speed automatic transmission. The power is channeled to the rear wheels only, propelling the Brooklands to 60 mph in a chilled 9.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 128 mph (206 km/h). Yes, such speeds may not set any drag strip records, but the Brooklands was more than any stoplight heroics. It coupled immaculate low-end torque for a smooth and effortless power surge, while the 4-speed auto seamlessly blended gears for an effortless delivery of power and spirited drive. However, there’s no ignoring the Brooklands’s weight, which amounts to a colossal 5,268 pounds – a bad news for track day enthusiasts.
A quick look at the Brooklands's interior and the six-figure price tag seems justifiable. Fine leather adorns the cockpit in a sumptuous nest, wrapping each observable item in the interior, ranging from sun-visors to the lower center console. Even the mats are kept soft and plush with wool-like carpeting for a true luxury motoring experience. Meanwhile, intricately crafted wood veneers spread towards the center and the door panels, creating a symphony of classic craftsmanship. What’s also timeless are the crisp analog dials dotting the center console, a perfect match with the solid, well-built knobs and controls peppering the cabin. A similar story can be said for the back passengers, who are pampered with a suite of comfort options, including their very own vanity mirrors, individual ashtrays and cigarette lighters, map lights, and – of course – footrests.
Undoubtedly, the 1994 Bentley Brooklands lives up to the brand's reputation for grand proportions, including a length measuring the size of a yacht. Spreading well over 5 meters in length, the Brooklands commands attention wherever it goes. Still, the outside hints of classic Bentley cues, including the iconic 'waterfall' grill with vertical slats that sit proudly upfront. Flanking it are dual-round headlights that add an unmistakable, regal-like presence to the front. Meanwhile, the sculpted (front-hinged) hood flows into the pronounced, rather muscular fenders that house elegant-looking and classy 15-inch chrome alloys, a symbol of luxury in the ‘90s. The rear continues the ‘angular’ theme by incorporating horizontal taillights, descending bootlids, and sharp-edged bumpers, reminiscent of the contemporary Rolls-Royces.
In an era of groundbreaking engineering marvels and an array of tech gadgets, the Brooklands distinguished itself by adopting a subtle approach to technology, utilizing high-quality craftsmanship and enduring comfort. So, it incorporated electronically adjustable seats wrapped in sumptuous leather, pairing heated and memory functions to provide a tailored comfort experience. Meanwhile, Bentley's self-leveling suspension enabled the Brooklands to effortlessly soak up bumps and undulating roads with serene composure. Safety, too, was paramount, utilizing ABS and airbags to ensure utmost security and tranquility for the occupants.
Initially, the 1994 Bentley Brooklands positioned itself as an entry-level Bentley, gracing a price tag of a staggering $156,500. However, this made the Brooklands appear remarkably attainable over its flagship Turbo R sibling, which commanded over $60,000 more for its superior performance and turbo-punch. Fast forward to today, the Brooklands costs almost a fraction of the original price, creating an accessible entry point into the realm of British luxury. So, thanks to depreciation, the 1994 Bentley Brooklands can be bought for as little as $7,000, while well-preserved and well-maintained examples can set you back by over $30,000, like this 25k-mile 1994 Bentley Brooklands that was recently auctioned off for a collector-worthy $38,311. Crave a piece of British elegance on a budget? Explore the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to get your hands on a slice of automotive history that blends heritage with affordability.
By embodying a simple principle of timeless elegance, the Bentley Brooklands continues to allure connoisseurs of classic luxury, commanding attention and turning heads wherever it goes. Exotic Car Trader is an online marketplace that curates a meticulously selected catalog of exotic cars ready for their new homes. It simplifies that car-buying experience by highlighting a straightforward buying process, eliminating the need for haggling with private sellers. Moreover, it outlines a detailed car-selling process, guaranteeing a safe and secure transaction by utilizing industry best practices and a qualified team to help you confidently navigate every step. By harmoniously blending classic charm and modern performance, the Bentley Brooklands stands true to the Bentley lineage, carrying forward the marque’s rich tradition of excellence.
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