Close to three decades old now, the 1998 Bentley Brooklands is arguably more desirable than in the late ‘90s. The car hails from a time when Bentley cars still held fast to the brand’s classic, unapologetically imperial styling, with substantial heft and square-like shapes being the norm in its signature luxury barges. The Bentley Brooklands, a majestic four-door luxury saloon, debuted in October 1992. It represents Bentley's dedication to quality and innovation and was handcrafted in Crewe, England. With its powerful 6.75-liter V8 petrol engine and four-speed automatic transmission, the rear-wheel drive Bentley Brooklands offers ample power and impressive refinement. This car distinguishes itself from the Bentley Mulsanne and Bentley Eight it replaces by incorporating more lavish amenities, including sophisticated on-board electrics, contemporary instrument displays, and a sleek center console gear lever. Its electronically-controlled suspension system also guarantees a smooth and plush ride, raising the bar for comfort and control while driving. The Brooklands was the origin of exclusivity during its production run, with a form that was painstakingly built to exacting specifications. A lasting emblem of automotive greatness, the 1998 Bentley Brooklands is a tribute to Bentley's tradition of luxury and craftsmanship. Its elegance and performance ability continue to captivate fans and collectors alike.
Originating from a tradition of distinction, the Brooklands is a fitting replacement for the Bentley Mulsanne. Unlike the 1980-1992 Mulsanne that was only available in one body style, the Brooklands came in 4-door saloon and 2-door coupe body-style options, the former body style preceding the latter. With a length of just over 211 inches, the long-wheelbase Bentley Brooklands saloon is about three inches longer than the Mulsanne; the short-wheelbase Brooklands is just 1.5 inches shorter. When the Bentley Brooklands was introduced, it was meant to slot in just under the Bentley Turbo R in the brand’s pricing hierarchy. The Turbo R was introduced in 1985 with similar styling to that of the Mulsanne, but as its name suggests, it was a more performance-oriented model. The Brooklands, on the other hand, had a different mandate. It was about getting its occupants to their destinations in dignified and leisurely comfort; it was not meant to be for thrill seekers. This informed the brand’s engine choice for this car. However, in 1996, the Brooklands’ engine got an update that saw the addition of a light-pressure turbocharger. For this reason, the performance of the 1996-1998 Bentley Brooklands models is slightly peppier than its prior models. Bentley kept pushing the limits of exclusivity as time passed, releasing the 1998 Bentley Brooklands R Mulliner limited edition. Limited to just 100 pieces, this custom demonstrated Bentley's everlasting dedication to uniqueness and custom craftsmanship. Designed in association with Mulliner, the renowned coachbuilder for Rolls-Royce, every Brooklands R Mulliner featured a numbered plaque on the center console of the dash, designating it as a collector's item. The Brooklands R Mulliner was distinguished by its refined appearance and improved performance, giving it an air of strength and sophistication. Every element of the Brooklands R Mulliner, from its eye-catching mesh front grille to its sleek Azure door mirrors, radiated exclusivity and refinement, making it stand out as a genuine monument of automotive brilliance.
The standard 1998 Bentley Brooklands is powered by a turbocharged 6.75-liter L-Series OHV V8 engine that produces 300 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. Given that this car weighs 2,430kg, the engine only manages to propel the car to 60 mph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds. The limited edition Brooklands R Mulliner got a slightly tuned version of the same engine that unleashes 325 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, making it marginally faster. However, the models produced before 1996 got a naturally aspirated 6.75-liter V8 engine that made just 241 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. As a result, their 0-60mph times are just shy of ten seconds. Paired with these engines is a refined four-speed automatic gearbox that makes for smooth and effortless propulsion, and its ventilated front discs also provide confidence-inspiring stopping power even from high speeds. The Bentley Brooklands is also a masterclass in driving dynamics, with an independent front and rear suspension that delivers excellent damping and commendable maneuverability for a car of its heft. Its self-leveling system facilitates automated ride adjustment, ensuring that the car remains composed, well-balanced, and easy to control, regardless of the number of passengers or the weight of its luggage.
The construction of each Bentley Brooklands took 600 hours, 125 of which were spent manually stitching together the car’s leather upholstery. In addition to featuring the finest leather materials, this car comes fitted with fine real-wood inlays and veneers that adorn the dashboard and center console. Unlike prior Bentley models that got steering-column-mounted gear levers, the Brooklands offers a center-console-mounted gear selector. The Bentley Brooklands also has well-polished stainless steel controls and classy-looking analog instrument gauges that add to its elegant and sophisticated look. This car’s heated and electrically adjustable front seats are also quite comfortable despite not being overly bolstered, and its roomy rear seats provide excellent seating comfort and visibility. Using a remote, the infotainment screen rises from the dashtop and is equipped with rear camera feed control and sat nav. There is enough head and legroom for rear passengers and a sizable boot. The Brooklands seats five people comfortably, offering a refined driving experience unmatched in its class.
The exterior of the 1998 Bentley Brooklands exemplifies traditional British elegance. The waterfall grille and classic dual headlights are signature features of the Bentleys of old. In the rear, the car has square-themed styling with stout, wrap-around taillights and parking lights. Also worth noting is that the dimensions of the Bentley Brooklands were slightly revised in 1996. The 1993-1995 short-wheelbase (SWB) models were 207.5 inches long and 74.3 inches wide, while the long-wheelbase versions were 211.8 inches long and 74.3 inches wide (79 inches with mirrors). The length of the 1996-1998 SWB and LWB models remained relatively the same, but the width increased to 75.4 inches (83.1 inches with mirrors). So, the already wide stance of the Brooklands became wider after the update, giving it an imposing presence on the road.
The 1998 Bentley Brooklands’ offerings in the technology department included bright automatic headlights that dim themselves when they sense the lights of oncoming vehicles, a security system that automatically triggers itself, and a climate control system. The occupants of this car are also treated to clear, crisp sound from a ten-speaker Alpine sound system that includes a radio, cassette player, and six-disc CD changer.
The pricing of the 1998 Bentley Brooklands depends on its mileage, how it has been maintained over the years, and the status of its previous owners. High mileage examples can go for even less than $10,000, but the savings on their low purchase prices may quickly be offset by substantial maintenance or repair bills. Low mileage examples that have been well maintained, on the other hand, can go for as much as $58,500. Those that have been owned by celebrities and people of stature in society are likely to cost even more. Most good quality examples on sale go for between $30,000 and $50,000, so it is wise to stay within that bracket if you are thinking about buying one.
Undoubtedly, the 1998 Bentley Brooklands is not without its flaws. Still, considering its affordable price, it offers great value for people looking for a classic/vintage luxury car that can be used every day. There is no denying the fact that it has presence; arguably more presence than its more recent models. Exotic Car Trader can help you get your next 1998 Bentley Brooklands. We are a trustworthy online marketplace that specializes in making vehicle transitions more accessible, whether you're buying or selling. If you're selling your Bentley, you may be confident that we will handle everything, including listing and private sales. However, our trade-in service enables you to upgrade to a more modern Bentley or purchase a collector's piece if you want your ideal vehicle. Exotic Car Trader ensures a seamless and delightful experience through an easy-to-use method for each car lover. The 1998 Bentley Brooklands's elegance and effortless charm continue to captivate fans and collectors, strengthening its status as an icon in automotive history. The value of the 1992-1998 Bentley Brooklands models is bound to go up in the coming years as they get snatched up by car collectors. Therefore, if you are thinking about buying a luxury car from that era, you can shortlist this one.
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