1994 Bentley Continental R

Okay, so the current owner of this magnificent Continental R purchased it from us in July 2023 before popping it straight into storage. However, like many collectors his collection is in a constant state of flux and, without even having used it at all, it’s now up for sale again to make way for yet another fresh arrival. 

Prior to taking ownership, this well-maintained Conti belonged to a marque enthusiast who belonged to the Bentley Drivers Club; he in turn had purchased it from Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist David Sainsbury back in 2017 and enjoyed it sparingly for travelling to Scotland for shooting trips and down to Cornwall on holiday. 

As you would expect, the Bentley remains in the same first-class condition it did back in the summer and having been awoken from its air-conditioned slumber is now ready for pastures new. 

Wait until you see the superb service history; we’ve described it in detail in our History Highlights section, below.

Like all Continental R models it’s a handsome thing; imposing at both front and rear, and elegant in side profile. For us, there’s no doubt it shares that alluring visual DNA that all the finest Bentley Coupes display. 

The Silver paintwork is in excellent fettle with a deep lustre and rich finish. The car’s long flanks remain straight and true – with excellent panel fit all round. 

There are one or two small marks commensurate with age, including a tiny mark on the front bumper and another small one on the back of the nearside rear wing; the latter looks like paint from something that’s rubbed against the panel and may polish out with a touch of cutting compound.

At the rear of the nearside sill you will find some light surface blemishing, possibly from water passing through panel drainage holes; we’d recommend a preventative course of wax-based proofing applied to the panel (and the matching one on the other side) to deal with this and ensure their long-term health. 

The alloy wheels remain in fine condition and remaining tread on each tyre looks to be healthy, too.

It’s a smart exterior picture. 

Famed Rolls-Royce subsidiary Mulliner Park Ward trimmed all Continental Rs and, believe us, that’s no bad thing. If you want the best of the best, then these are your people. 

Pop the driver’s door and you’ll find the best cabin in the world circa 1994 – it is wonderful. You’ll find a profusion of the best leather (here in Grey piped Dark Grey), top-of-the-range wood veneers and thick lambs' wool over mats. As we’ve stated about this model before, you better live in a nice house otherwise you’ll be tempted to move in here. 

The burr walnut dash is superb, as are door cards and headlining. There are a few hints of very minor wear on the central arm rest and on the dark piping of the front seats, but nothing that detracts from the overall condition. As you’d expect of a well looked after example, all electrics function exactly as they should. 

Inside the armrest you will find a period-perfect Motorola mobile phone – perfect for buying/selling shares on the hoof. 

At the rear, the boot is finished in matching carpets and is pretty much immaculate. 

Lovely.

The R’s V8 sparks to life without fuss and settles into a contented tickover. The car has been incredibly well looked after all its life and this is represented in how it drives; the engine pulls like a proverbial train, suspension feels wonderfully taut and the brakes impress with their substantial stopping power. 

With that exceedingly large turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 under the bonnet, it should come as no surprise that this big beast (just shy of two and a half tons!) can shift some, and then some – 0-60mph flashes past in a smidge over six and half seconds. 

Pop the bonnet and you will find an engine bay that remains both clean and fresh in terms of appearance; there is no evidence of any untoward leaks, just a Bentley moniker on each bank of the engine and the word ‘Turbo’ emblazoned front and centre.

Very recent works include the fitment of new steering rack in March 2023 at a cost of £1471. Specialist David Sainsbury, who sold the car to its previous owner, also intimated that the wheels and brakes had been upgraded at some point with items from a later model. 

The most important item in the Bentley’s history file is the service book, which shows an impressively comprehensive history that includes stamps at the following:

• 3,000 miles – Dutton-Forshaw, Preston (16/11/1994)
• 5061 miles – Dutton-Forshaw, Preston (30/05/1995)
• 12,000 miles – Dutton-Forshaw, Preston (28/05/1996)
• 17,291 miles – Dutton-Forshaw, Preston (25/06/1997)
• 20,783 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (09/02/1999)
• 25,401 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (12/04/2000)
• 30,469 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (21/03/2001)
• 32,150 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (17/06/2002)
• 32,895 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (23/12/2002)
• 33,122 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (23/06/2003)
• 33,999 miles – Michael Hibberd Motor Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists (28/04/2004)
• 40,218 miles – Silver Lady Services, Rolls-Royce and Bentley Specialists (12/09/2005)
• 42,543 miles – Silver Lady Services, Rolls-Royce and Bentley Specialists (12/07/2006)
• 47,425 miles – Bentley Hampshire (07/03/2007)
• 53,281 miles – Graham Millard (11/08/2009)
• 58,476 miles – Graham Millard (07/05/2012)
• 62,369 miles – Graham Millard (10/12/2015)
• 66,810 miles – Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialist Service & Repairs (2017 – month not noted)

The current MOT test certificate is present, which runs until 27/04/2024. As well as expired MOT test certificates and tax discs, you will also find a large stack of invoices for maintenance and reparative works carried out. These, along with that fabulous service history, demonstrate that this Continental R has been very well looked after indeed. It’s definitely worth taking your time to flick through our Photographic Gallery. 

Finally, the car comes with two sets of keys.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a superb standard.

Service history. 

There, that should suffice for our summing up. 

We’ll add maintenance works to that, too. For this Bentley Continental R’s history folder explains in no uncertain terms exactly how it presents in its current form, and also how it drives as well as it does. 

Yes, in terms of value, the model has fallen a considerable way from its lofty monetary value when new but, for us, that simply demonstrates how much metal you get for your money. Fashion may have a part to play in that, but remember Continental R models remain the pinnacle of Bentley’s offerings and such things are cyclical. 

Be in no doubt, this still remains quite a car to have in your garage. We estimate that it will sell for £30,000-£35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.