1997 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL T COUPE

By the late 1970s Bentley production in comparison with Rolls-Royce had sunk to an all time low and moves were made to restore the situation. A model linked to the famous history of the “W.O. Bentley” era of the 1920’s with luxury and performance predominating was needed.

The result was the four door Turbo R Mulsanne of 1982, launched at the Geneva show of that year. At Geneva in 1985 a mocked-up coupé designated Project 90 was shown to gauge response to a unique Bentley 2 Door design. This was favourable and the result was the production Continental R unveiled in 1991.

Even with computer aided design and wind tunnel testing the result was still very recongisably a Bentley. With the 6.75 litre turbo engine the 0-60mph time took under 6 seconds and top speed was over 150mph, this was surely a car which W.O. Bentley would have been proud to carry his name. In 1996 the Continental T derivative was announced with a 4 “(10cm) shorter wheelbase and widened front and rear wheel arches. An engine-tuned dash and chrome instruments featured inside. The amazing Continental ‘T’ with 420 bhp had a top speed of 170mph and 870Nm of torque which broke all records for a production motor car.

This example is one of only 322 made.

CHASSIS NO: 1991075

ENGINE NO: 87657L410MTITS

REGISTRATION NO: BCT (VIC EXPIRES 22/7/2010)