LOT 330
2001 Bentley Continental R Le Mans Coupé Registration no. to be advised Chassis no. SCBZB25E32CH01771
Sold for £82,140 inc. premium
Lot 330
2001 Bentley Continental R Le Mans Coupé
The December Sale Collector's Motor Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 December 2016, 16:00 GMT|London, Olympia
2001 Bentley Continental R Le Mans Coupé
Registration no. to be advised
Chassis no. SCBZB25E32CH01771
Registration no. to be advised
Chassis no. SCBZB25E32CH01771
*One of 46 made
*One of only 12 right-hand drive models
*33,313 miles from new
*Service history
*One of only 12 right-hand drive models
*33,313 miles from new
*Service history
Footnotes
In 2001 Bentley returned to Le Mans after an absence of 71 years, having last contested the world's most prestigious endurance race in 1930, scoring its fifth victory. Bentley's EXP Speed 8 sports prototype finished a creditable 3rd on its first outing at the Circuit de la Sarthe, and in developed form secured an historic sixth victory for the famous British marque in 2003.
To celebrate Bentley's renewed Le Mans campaign, the company introduced limited edition 'Le Mans' versions of the existing Continental R and Continental T models. This latest Continental had first been seen at Geneva in 1985 as a concept car - 'Project 90' - a mocked-up coupé intended to gauge public response to the idea of a high-performance car unique to Bentley, whose 1980s resurgence had hitherto relied exclusively on models sharing their basic architecture with other Rolls-Royce products.
When the real thing - the Bentley Continental R - was unveiled six years later, the waiting crowd burst into spontaneous applause. Styled with the assistance of consultants International Automotive Design, the Continental R benefited from computer-aided design and wind tunnel testing in the devising of its sleekly streamlined shape. Despite the need to incorporate non-traditional features such as doors recessed into the roof, the result looked every bit a Bentley, albeit one restated for the 1990s. Also new was the gearbox, a four-speed automatic with an 'overdrive' top ratio, but the main focus of interest was the newcomer's performance. Needless to say, this was outstanding, the combination of the 325bhp Turbo R engine in the new wind-cheating shape cutting the 0-60mph time to under 6 seconds and boosting top speed to in excess of 150mph.
For the exclusive 'Le Mans' variants, the 420bhp engine of the Continental T was adopted together with a plethora of special features. The latter included flared wheel arches; green badges to the radiator, wheels and boot; 18" five-spoke alloy wheels; sports bumper package; four-pipe exhaust outlets; and 'Le Mans' wing badges. Interior upgrades consisted of drilled control pedals; pushbutton starter; sports seats with 'Bentley' headrest logos; stacked central instrumentation cluster with chrome bezels and green dials; dark walnut veneer with embossed Bentley badges; 'Le Mans Series' logo to the centre console; and a racing-style gear knob finished in chrome and leather.
This spectacular Bentley has belonged to the current owner since 12th March 2012. The car was first registered as 'DG02 NNE', and the chassis number indicates that it falls within the 2002 model year. Only 46 Continental R Le Mans models were manufactured in 2001 to 2002, only 12 of which were right-hand drive. This car is one of only two right-hand drive examples made for the 2002 model year. Noteworthy special features include burr walnut interior embellishment, body side vents; and red wheel centres with 'Bentley' symbol in green. The car has also been fitted with a 'Tracker' security device.
Recorded mileage at the time of consignment was 33,313, and the Bentley has a valid MoT certificate. Accompanying documentation consists of chassis cards, service history, and sundry invoices. It should be noted that the vendor is retaining the cherished registration mark, and it is anticipated that a replacement V5C document will have been received by time of sale.
Saleroom notices
Please be advised that the registration for this car is 'DG02 NNE'. Further information provided has shown that this Bentley is a 'Continental R Mulliner', one of only 63 right-hand drive cars built and not a 'Le Mans' specification example as catalogued.
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