Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2023 20th May 2023

94 Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2023 - Cars Registration: PA03 YOT Chassis No.: SCBZB26E73CH01868 Estimate: £65,000 - £75,000 Lot 852 2003 Bentley Continental R Mulliner Wide Body - Final Series Introduced in 1991, the Continental R was the first Bentley in 26 years to not share a body style with a concurrent Rolls-Royce, and was inspired by the highly collectable Continental R-Type of the 1950s. Five years later Bentley introduced a short-wheelbase version dubbed the Continental T that was equipped with an uprated engine. Bentley customers soon expressed interest in equipping the wider bodied Continental R model with the T’s more powerful engine, and the Continental R Mulliner Wide Body was consequently introduced at the 1999 Geneva Salon. The nomenclature was an homage to H.J. Mulliner, the British coachbuilder responsible for the original R-Type’s breathtaking fastback bodywork. The R Mulliner’s wide-body configuration gave purpose to the rear flanks whilst the twin-turbocharged V8 could rocket the car to a top speed of nearly 170mph, with brisk 5.6-second sprints to 60mph from standstill. Produced in the limited number of 148 cars, just 63 were in right-hand drive, between 1999 and 2003, however a little known, and very limited-edition run of cars, based on the Continental R Mulliner Wide Body, was produced in 2003, running to just 11 cars, with only five in right-hand drive, and called the Final Series. Offered to a handful of Bentley enthusiasts who could discreetly celebrate a new era without denouncing the patriarchal ownership that nearly smothered Bentley. Invariably referred to as ‘The Conti‘, the 1991 launch was not just a benchmark for luxury and power but proved that Bentley still had a story to tell, and the 2003 Final Series, was a discreet farewell to decades of restrictions under Rolls-Royce ownership. On offer here is one of the five Final Series cars produced in right-hand drive. The Silver Storm coachwork contrasts nicely with the quilted black leather interior and the dark Burr Walnut woodwork is inset with beautifully intricate silver flying-B badges highlighted by the hand stitched leather of the dashboard and door cards. It was registered to the first of just two former keepers on 25th April 2003 and the maintenance has been diligent, with some £60,000 spent over the last two decades. The well-stamped service book is accompanied by no less than 19 invoices from marque specialists Chelsea Workshop who have looked after the car since 2009 with the most recent service in 2022. Wearing its mileage of 78,131, at the time of cataloguing, well, it’s presented to auction with the extensive history file, handbooks, aforementioned service book, V5C and a fresh MOT. One of the rarest Bentleys ever produced as one of five right-hand drive cars from a total of just 11 Final Series models. Two previous keepers and a fabulous history file Consignor: Arwel Richards Telephone No: 07434 960868 More Details Lot 852 Bid On Lot 852