Vehicle Description
From the 1960s through the mid-1980s, Bentley had been quietly
getting by, building cars exclusively on platforms shared with
Rolls-Royce motorcars and losing much of its sporting identity in
the process. That changed at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show when
Bentley startled the establishment with its 'Project 90', an
experimental coupe intended to gauge public response to the idea of
a high-performance car unique to Bentley. When the production car,
the Bentley Continental R, was finally revealed six years later,
the public was enthralled. Styled with the assistance of
consultants International Automotive Design, the Continental R
utilized new computer-aided design and wind tunnel testing to
create its sleekly streamlined shape. Also new was the
transmission, a four-speed automatic with an overdrive top gear
ratio, but most exciting was the new car's brilliant performance.
The stellar combination of the Turbo R's 6.75-litre V8 engine and
the new aerodynamic shape cut the 0-60mph time to 6.2 seconds and
boosted the top speed to over 150mph. There was even more to come
in the form of the Continental T. Introduced in June 1996, the T
was a short-wheelbase version of the Continental R with some 4"
being taken out of the chassis beyond the doors. With 400bhp at its
disposal and crouching aggressively on 18" wheels, the low-slung
Continental T looks every inch the thoroughbred Bentley sports car.
Despite its hefty weight, the luxuriously appointed Continental T
is certainly no slouch, racing to 60mph in a blistering 5.8 seconds
on its way to a top speed of 156mph. If owning one of the most
exclusive cars on the earth wasn't enough, you could purchase an
evenmoreexclusive version. The car offered here is one of a mere 14
North American Regional Special Edition (RSE) Continental Ts
produced, making it one of the rarest of the breed. The cost of
this option was a staggering $25,000 in 1998 (the equivalent of
about $47,000 today). The RSE models are distinguished by such
features as chrome 18-inch rims, stainless steel headlight
surrounds, body-colored bumper undertrays and finishing strips,
sporting seats with Alcantara inserts, body-colored shifter lever,
chrome-ringed instrument bezels, and more. Additionally, this
example is fitted with the powerful Mulliner-spec engine adding an
extra 20 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque for an impressive total
of 420 horsepower and 650 lb-ft, respectively. All this is ample
power to move this opulent and near-silent luxury coupe from Z�rich
to Paris in a very short time if necessary. This car is finished in
a stunning shade of Crimson Pearl over an elegant blend of buttery
Soft Tan hides and Alcantara with leather dash accents and Crimson
carpets. Highly optioned, this car was first sold through
Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills, who delivered the car new to famed
Hollywood actor Will Smith. He retained the car for nearly fifteen
years, an unusually long time to keep an automobile by celebrity
standards. Mr. Smith clearly enjoyed owning this Bentley, and it
showed in the extensive and consistent service records. Subsequent
owners continued what Mr. Smith started; the most recent owner has
been equally fastidious about its care. Currently showing 73,000
miles on the odometer, it could pass for a car with only 15,000
miles due to the extraordinary care this rare Bentley has enjoyed
by each of its stewards. Beautifully presented, the paint and
detailing are superb. The car wears its correct original
chrome-finish wheels shod with high-performance Pirelli rubber. The
leather remains supple and shows minimal wear, while the original
carpets are superb, protected by matching crimson Mouton over mats.
Woodwork and chrome are equally excellent, and the car features a
discreetly updated audio system with a hidden JL Audio subwoofer in
the boot as well as front and rear cameras. This Continental T
includes a complete ownership history, a copy of the original title
in Will Smith's name, spare keys, clean CarFax, books, service
records, and detailed factory build records.It is an absolute blast
to drive, with boundless reserves of torque and impressive handling
considering its size. This exceptional Bentley presents a rare
opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable models of the era
that Bentley created. This fact, combined with a plethora of rare
factory options, interesting ownership history, excellent
maintenance, and superb overall condition, checks all boxes for the
astute Bentley connoisseur. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7523-1998-bentley-continental-t-rse/
