The luxury English marque, Bentley Motors Limited was formed in 1919. Their heritage traces to the times when their first aluminum pistons were fitted onto World War I attack aircraft. By the 1980s the Bentley marque was beginning to decline, one of the models that revived the brand is the Bentley Continental R and the subsequent bespoke Blackpool cars. The Bentley Continental R was produced from 1991 to 2003. It features a unique body within Rolls-Royce and was without a doubt the best Bentley to date in terms of performance, and luxury. Up for grabs is a 1996 Bentley Continental R beautifully maintained and with just 50,100 miles on the odometer.

Exterior and Interior

This 1996 Bentley Continental R is dressed in a mesmerizing vermilion red exterior. The exterior mirrors, front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and front fascia are all painted in the same color. A few chrome trim pieces can be seen around the windows at the front, side, and rear. The horizontally slatted grille is also painted in chrome. It sits on a set of black-painted 5-spoke wheels. On entry, you are greeted by the black door sill with an engraved chrome plaque. Luxury is evident throughout the car with its use of luxury leather and genuine wood veneer. Partly matching the exterior is the interior's red and white luxury appointment. As reported by the owner the interior is all original including the matching red carpets and wood dashboard. The interior features an electronic steering wheel tilt which can be coupled with the seat and wing mirror memory positions. The center console is host to a slew of buttons and switches in black and chrome, along with the aftermarket Alpine Bluetooth capable audio system, and center console-mounted electronic gear selector with a Sport button.

Engine

There’s a reason that the 1996 Bentley Continental R was considered more of a driver's car than any previous model. That being the improved Zytek EMS3 6.75L turbocharged V8 coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission was able to have impressive, and for the first time, officially confirmed figures, of 385hp of power along with 550 lb. ft of torque. When Sport mode is activated, it simultaneously adjusts the gearbox mapping and stiffens the suspension for aggressive driving and handling. The car has self-leveling hydraulic suspension with Adaptive ride/Automatic Ride Control. Stopping power is enhanced by the ventilated disc brakes upfront and discs at the back.