To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$90,000 - $120,000
- One of only 50 left-hand drive examples built for 1998, and
only 321 Continental Ts built in total
- 420 hp, 650 lb-ft turbocharged L-Series 6.75-liter V-8
- Black over tan leather interior with contrast piping
- Burr walnut veneer interior trim, solid walnut gear knob
- An intoxicating blend of performance and hand-built British
luxury
- Fewer than 33,400 miles from new
Built from 1996 through 2003, the Bentley Continental T represents
a significant moment in the history of the storied British marque.
Like the closely related Continental R, the model was powered by
the venerable L-Series 6.75-liter V-8, a motor also shared with
Rolls-Royce models. These Bentleys, however, bucked decades of
tradition by wearing their own distinctive bodywork not shared with
the other brand-a crucial component of the luxury automaker's
renaissance, which continues to this day.
Designed as a sporty counterpart to the Continental R (which rides
on a wheelbase four inches longer, and with a rear track one inch
narrower, than that of the Continental T), the model subtly hints
at its performance potential with its tasteful fender flares; its
stated 5.8-second zero-to-60 mph sprint and 155 mph top speed did
not come at the cost of a luxuriously appointed cabin. Quite
simply, Continental T was designed for those who did not find the
Continental R to be exclusive or sporty enough; it aimed at those
who likened themselves to the original "Bentley Boys"-wealthy
drive-hard amateurs who raced Bentleys in the 1920s.
Consequently, the car's original price tag in 1998 was also nothing
short of extraordinary: over $350,000 when new (a $30,800 premium
over the Continental R), or roughly $572,000 in today's dollars
adjusted for inflation. Further, in contrast to its similarly named
successor, the Continental GT, the Continental T was among the last
of the truly hand-built Bentleys. Over its entire eight-year
production run only 321 were made worldwide, of which only 217 were
left-hand drive. A mere 50 left-hand drive cars were manufactured
in 1998; this car is one of them.
For 1998, the Continental T received a series of highly desirable
updates and upgrades: The output of its turbocharged 6.75-liter
V-8, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, was increased to
an impressive 420 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque available
from just 2,000 rpm (the same engine was used in the Continental R
Mulliner). A sporty "matrix" grille replaced the vertical slats of
previous years. The revised grille was echoed on the vents beneath
the headlamps which in turn eliminated the wrap around orange side
marker lights of previous years.
The cabin also included a handful of welcome improvements, with
leather seats receiving an updated upholstery pattern and gaining
perforated leather. Additionally, the gear selector was changed to
an elegant solid design, eliminating the safety button on earlier
models. Finally, the red engine start button was relocated from the
console to the center panel of the dash. This car, finished in
black over a tan leather interior with black contrast piping,
benefits from these changes. Moreover, its burr walnut veneer
dashboard enhances its classic luxury feel.
Powerful, well-appointed, and exclusive, the 1998 Continental is an
excellent example of what a modern Bentley should be; it should
come as no surprise that these rare and desirable cars,
particularly those equipped with this model year's updates, are
increasingly sought-after, making this well-preserved example
especially worthy of consideration. To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.
