Why THIS Is The Last Truly Opulent Bentley - Continental R

The Bentley Continental R, released in 1991 was the first Bentley with a specific body shell since 1965, it was the most expensive car ever made when launched and by far the most luxurious. Today I drive what is perhaps the last truly hand built Bentley ever made and see if that incredible list price was justified and how this fabulous coupe compares to more recent Bentleys.
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[@ratfink73]

I spent my apprenticeship building these, the T bodyshell would go down the line initially pre-assembled as an R before being pulled out of line and shortened, several key joints were left unwelded in readiness.. the flared T arches were Tig welded into standard R panels and metal finished by hand until the joints were undetectable.. great cars and great craftsmen behind them..

[@marcusott2973]

My ex-boss had one in the late 90's, as he enjoyed a tipple, I used to get to drive it quite a bit. Wonderful motor, me drumming the steering wheel to fine young cannibals and Peter sleeping blissfully on the passenger seat. Fun times.

[@AL-PAKA]

peter stringfellow?

[@marcusott2973]

@@AL-PAKA no, Peter Leroc good engineer, consumate gentleman and the last honest sales man, he's passed since, we built gears for elevators, ski lifts, cable cars etc.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

The modern Bentleys made by Volkswagen just don't have the same effect, plus depreciation is shocking, and knobheads get hold of them cheap.

[@classiccars1994]

Having owned an Arnage , Turbo RT, Brooklands Mulliner R, Continental R and a Continental GT, I would say without doubt the Continental R was head and shoulders above both the Arnage and Continental GT . The Mulliner R and Turbo RT again where in a different league. The Arnage feels cheap compared the quality is just not there, electrics are awful and in my opinion this was BMW's influence on the car. The Continental GT is not a Bentley its a VW , poor build quality, poor electrics and some seriously bad engineering issues, vac pipes that break, its an engine out job, starter motor issues its an engine out job and even some coolant pipes engine out job ! Water ingress due to poorly located drain holes which usually lead to more electrical issues. The trade don't like them and depreciation is horrendous, oh and don't forget the image issues. Give me the Continental R, Turbo RT cars any day.

[@MrAlpinab7]

Is the later 4.0 v8 Continental Gt this fussy, as in engine out, for almost everything ?

[@mercmush]

You are a very lucky man indeed to have owned all of these Bentleys! Your comments are also very enlightening and informative. Now we know why the depreciation on most of these cars is so horrendous.

[@brunobalestra]

What about the Brooklands coupé ?

[@TheMentalblockrock]

You must have lost a lot of £ on depreciation over those ownerships!

[@highwaystar3780]

Lots of Over Exaggerating.....I Never owned one of these but I have owned 3 Arnages including an 09' T for 9 yrs. Yes there were some cheap touches and build/engineering/fit & finish flaws including the Shift lever coming out the center console and winding up in my hand as I reversed in the garage one night. Mind u it had only 2k at the time. But, overall....the Arnage was a superior car in every aspect. More power, Refined Ride, way better NVH control, superior handling..and imo glorious to look at and 2 more doors in the rear making it into a usable Car. I've sat in these cars and thers enough..if not just as much plastic switchgear as in any year Arnage. Dont get me wrong. This for its time was Really Something. But just because it was Over priced Astronomicaly doesn't mean Shit. Remember the Lagonda and how much that was 16yr rs prior to this? And that piece of shit was un drivable!

[@lostcabrio]

Hi Jack, why are you always shouting in your videos? The microphone can perfectly pick up your voice. No need to speak with a raised voice.

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Art on wheels. Just perfect. My all time dream car.

[@shanehnorman]

Jack is spot-on with his remark on this car's 'presence'. When I lived in London, a neighbour had the 'T' short-wheelbase version, the one with an air vent behind each front wheel-arch (a killer detail for me). No matter how often I walked past it, I had to stop and gawp. One of my hero cars.

[@robt8620]

I owned for a short while a low mileage Silver pearl Continental T with metal turned dash, having swapped my low mileage Vanquish S and i loved the T, The feeling of opulence and the power on kick down was memorable. the styling even today is drop dead gorgeous and its still my favourite bentley . Negatives? The chassis felt its age and therefore a different driving style was required when tackling the twisties. On closing the drivers door the chrome trim on the door handle would come loose but more worryingly was the smoke on kickdown. I returned the car twice to P&A Woods who said they couldnt find the problem , before reimbursing me the purchase price. I still miss the T. Later i purchased from P&A woods a 2010 Phantom Coupe which gave a similar experience but with its newer technology came a better chassis and fit and finish. Today i miss both .. another great video Jack

[@dmcars147]

Excited for the video...as an owner of a 96 Conti R, I would say your report is spot on. It does feel slightly cramped when you first sit in one, but after that, it's just right and very comfortable. The rear seats are quite usable as well with plenty of leg room. While it has tons of power available, it's happier with a leisurely cruise. I've spent a small fortune sorting mine out, however, they aren't too bad once you get over the fear factor. I'm currently in the market for an Arnage T and will be selling, but that's not for a lack of love, just looking for a new project. At least in the U.S. many of these are in a poor state, mostly purchased by the "I always wanted a Bentley" crowd without the resources or desire to treat them properly. The UK market appears to cherish them a bit more. Thanks again!!!

[@LeadenMarshmallow]

There's definitely something to this. I think it comes down to people being more likely to put these through super high mileage roadtrips in USA

[@ExUSSailor]

A PROPER Bentley!

[@NenadTrajkovic]

by far!

[@highlandmalt6368]

I've owned a '96 model year Conti R for 10 years. I agree with your premise that this is the last properly exclusive Bentley - this fact, the clever design features and the styling are why I bought one - it's worth noting also they only made around 100 a year, LHD & RHD combined - compare that to current volumes!! Great to hear Graham Hull's name mentioned as designer. (thoroughly recommended his book "Inside the Rolls Royce & Bentley styling department", really fascinating). A word of warning - this car has almost caused divorce on numerous occasions..

[@Gozar111]

True gentlemen’s express. Even today

[@lewis72]

Given that Bentley kept the Crewe site, its Bentley that is the true continuation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,. The Rolls-Royce today is just a badge. Not that their bad cars or not incredibly luxurious, it's just at that money and in that market, people do consider lineage etc. Edit: I was convinced that I had already subscribed !! Done now.

[@jyy9624]

Rolls Royce Motor Cars owned all the Rolls and Bentley assets (as they purchased Bentley) except for the Rolls Royce trademark, which was owned by Rolls Royce Engines and leased to Motor Cars - Volkswagen bought Rolls Royce Motor Cars but BMW leased the trademark - then Piech made the Phaeton and Bugatti - I wonder if he and his bankers were snookered

[@lewis72]

@@jyy9624 I was an engineer at Rolls Royce Aero Engines at the time of the sale. We had an explanatory email about it at the time of the sale to VW and then again when BMW had negotiated the Rolls Royce brand. Additionally, Rolls Royce Aero Engines and BMW had previously created a joint subsidiary aero engine company called BMW Rolls Royce or BRR for short. I was working on the BR 715 engine. having left the company, I later learnt that Rolls Royce bought out BMW from the BRR company.

[@jyy9624]

@@lewis72 the crown jewels

[@stephenricketts7764]

The Bentley Continental R is a truly Beautiful car. I think though you would have to be very rich or a nut job to buy one at the time. I have said before that I think the newer ones are footballers cars and just don't have the charm and yes opulence is very much lacking. I agree it perhaps has the edge over the Amage R but they both have their own charm and looks. Thanks Jack, have to say your videos are always well put together and thoughtful. 👍👍

[@isiahfriedlander5559]

By the way, when you mentioned about the rear passenger door handle, there’s also the 1970s Cadillacs, specifically the El Dorado

[@13Pandam]

Nice to see a review on this, thank you. But why have you discounted the Bentley Brooklands Coupe as the last true Bentley? Am I missing something?

[@zf4hp24]

Absolutely. Much better all around coupe with room, power, and exclusivity. IIRC, only 515 produced.

[@martinclapton2724]

This is my favourite “ modern day” Bentley , since the Shadow based Corniche , certainly a better looking car than the later VW owned creations that followed. I particularly like the rear end treatment , not too far away from some older Pininfarina designs from yesteryear. Absolutely fantastic car, like to wood treatment inside too, some seemed to have an aluminium type finish, prefer the wood. I’ve heard head gaskets cause problems ( perhaps someone could verify.?) . Either way , I’d love one ❤

[@danieleregoli812]

Awwww, what an amazing luxury barge. Nothing better than a big, powerful, ever-so-un sensible, thirsty, decadent coupe'. Love it. Cue, Jenses, Bristols, Camargues, etc....

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Nice video. Awesome car. This a right proper wafter to take on nice cruise.

[@lesklower7281]

Jack this interior is the best interior in any car l seen reviewed on any you tube channel fair enough all 1990s and early 2000s Rolls Royces and Bentleys are beautiful but this interior on this Benley is on another level all that real wood and leather just extremely nice it looks fantastic and %90 us made from renewable products the use if metal also very classy

[@edwinblank58]

You should drive the new Continental GT W12 once. It's a fantastic car... It's my daily driver. My Bentley Turbo R years ago had so many problems and issues after 50.000 miles....

[@GadgetyMV]

Ah, Heffernan-and-Greenley's masterpiece, 7:43, the designers surely worthy of a mention in this excellent presentation. As for the dual door handles at 5:10, this feature was available in the mid 60's American personal luxury coupes, such as the 1963-65 as well as 1966 Buick Riviera, 1967-68 Imperial Crown Coupe, and 1967-1970 Cadillac Eldorado. Some of them only had it on the passenger door panel.

Same as the Aston Martin Virage!

[@paulriggers1558]

when you are slagging off the dynamics, are you taking the age of the vehicle into consideration? after 29yrs, my missus's rear is a bit soggy + out of shape, but used to be damned fine... i've just watched another video this week, featuring twin door handles, too old to remember i'm afraid,+ oh, my '75 rangerover of course... keep up the good work young man

[@safiullahqureshi3196]

I've been a fan of 90s Bentleys since I was a kid. Whereas Rolls-Royce of this era were lumbering, underpowered luxury barges, these Continentals were a treat to drive and to be driven in. The post-merger Bentleys simply don't have the heritage and style that these vehicles did.

[@pipimontana]

Brooklands.

[@davidlloyd1485]

The Bristol of Bentleys. Loved them.

[@turdferguson4124]

Great video, Jack. The features and engineering on that Bentley are amazing. I’ve never seen two calipers on the same wheel end. That’s just crazy. I don’t think I would want to maintain that car or troubleshoot it as it is surely an oddball in so many areas. Incidentally, the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado had separate door release handles for the rear seat passengers on both doors. That was cost reduced in later years to only the passenger side door, the reason given that it provided safer exit on the curb side of the vehicle.

[@Lemma01]

Desperate to take a Hoover to the passenger footwell, mate! 🧐 Always been a fan - & this must be a bargain compared with modern mass-produced models, and it is so distinctive. Thanks for your channel, Jack.

[@philboyce1582]

Nice one Jack...... Am a big fan of Bentleys and have owned a couple, I’m thinking about another and one of these would be top of my list unfortunately I’ve got a lemonade pocket 😮

[@peteb3091]

Bentley Continental R - nice chap Bentley Continental GT - drug dealer

[@withapulse2000]

Or football player :-)

[@Truth-Liberator]

What a lovely piece of craftsmanship. I particularly like the interior and nose of the car. I'm also a huge fan of hydraulic suspension systems like that of Citroën. Pure luxury capped off with a smooth silent powerhouse, what is not to like. A very special car, I only wish I had one.

[@Rjhs001]

It's a tough job Jack, but someone has to do it 😁 Love your content, thanks so much.

[@beatglauser9444]

It is amazing to look at this car. From the outside it is a league of it's own. Elegant but still showing it's power. But the inside is just mindblowing! I have never seen an interior as beautiful as this one.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

It was the last proper Bentley for Proper People. The VW era stuff is fine of course but it's just not the same.

[@timjohnson67]

Such a beautiful, understated car. An excellent video, thank you so much.

[@xj12c97]

If I remember correctly, the 3 door Range-Rover classic had double door handles for rear passengers

[@gordtulk]

Some seventies era Cadillacs did as well.

[@Phiyedough]

I think the Maybach coupe also has them.

[@johnadriandalton]

Mustie1 recently showed an '88 Toyota 4Runner with the same arrangement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJnZeJ-lbLaEbJI

[@stevenhoman2253]

I must agree with you, it is a most elegant and beautiful vehicle, mostly due to its understatement.

[@sdry1688]

Loved it since 1993 - and I've seen them for sale as low as £30K - think they are climbing now though. Great video again

[@Number27]

Thank you!! Great car this..

[@robertsullivan4773]

All cars are currently up in value. My 97 NSX I bought in 97 for 88k fetches 110k now. But it won't last the market will adjust.

[@hazzalandy]

There's one on Ebay for 30k currently

[@TheStobb50]

What an absolutely lovely beautiful car. Might have to go on eBay and see if I can find a cheap one, 🤦‍♀️ I still think my brand loyalty would go with Bentley when you consider the modern day Bentley is really original Rolls-Royce in all but name they got the entire business factories and all just not the name so the Heritage the engineering the lot these cars as well as being an engineering marvel they are a work of art

[@jamesstaggs4160]

As an American viewer I'm always worried you're going to have a head on collision when I see you driving down the road.

[@janudholm]

Thank you for superb video. I have a little comment, a Torque Converter dont lock. If there is a lock, its only there for savning fuel when cruising.

[@gottliebdee263]

So what you’re saying is ‘A’ doesn’t happen, but it does.

[@johnboyairey]

Way back in the mid 1990’s, I was living in my first 2 bed flat in south London… bought for £60,000, a few years before, but was in 1996, worth about £55,000… I remember seeing a Range Rover autobiography brand new, at £55,000, and couldn’t believe it was as expensive as a flat…. Then I found out whilst reading some car magazines, the price of these Bentleys… when I saw one, I knew I was looking at a true pinnacle car… for someone to buy a car, that cost more than a house… and I mean, a big house… you could buy a 4 bed detached house in Croydon for £130,000… I know because I have old newspaper wrapped car parts still in my garage, that show these prices! -I though that as all cars come down in value, I would one day drive a Range Rover…. Which I did, and still do.. when I see old Range Rover p38’s, worth a few hundred pounds, I realise, every one of those, was a ‘two bed flat’…. Which today are £300,000…. The range rovers are worth very little, but the exclusivity, of the Bentley, meant low numbers, and hence prices have stood the test of time. Fantastic cars, but only for the seriously rich.

[@mohammadheydari6253]

I want to put a compliment,don’t get me wrong. The vibe of the video is like it was filmed ten years ago, and I adore it. I’m serious. I fell in love with your style. When everybody tries to be dope and cool, your video is classy. Your content is fabulous, keep up the awesome job. Please. 🤩🤩🤩

[@johnireland1629]

Wonderful...you introduced me to Bentley, which I had always ignored. The interior is amazing.

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Truly magnificent but also, I think you REALLY really have to be a die hard old skool fan for whom absolutely nothing else will do. Otherwise for me I feel I would sooner have a manual 456M and an Arnage T and keep the change from not only the purchase price but likely also the running costs too!!

[@Number27]

Nice pairing!!!

[@ldwp6395]

There was a widebody "R" version of these parked outside the entrance of "The Pride Of Longbridge" event earlier this year. I found that quite amusing, someone drove there continental there and didn't even use the in show parking for non BL products

Phantastisch Review! Thank you for it! Regarding the breaks: as a long term owner (see my own video in KZbin by CineCars), I don’t find the break system bad either, but in Swiss mountains, it lacks a low gear with engine braking! The second gear doesn’t brake the car at all on a steep mountain pass, and THATS the problem with the 4 speed automatic gear! - Otherwise, it is a fabulous car indeed

[@xZeiZeix]

First gen two door Range Rover has two door handels both doors

[@eze8970]

Thanks Jack, interior is great, but why are seats so small?! Thanks for review into true luxury motoring! 🙏🙏

[@paulm114]

That reg plate is worth a fair bit.

[@SabotsLibres]

Two door handles - original Range Rover when launched in 1970...

[@Number27]

Interesting!! Thank you!!

[@geoffk777]

This was probably the high point for Bentley, the Arnage and (especiallY) the VW cars were a step down. The Continental T and the rare SC are especially striking. These are now attainable, although the running costs mean that they're not for everyone. The Continental-based Azure convertable of this era is especially covetable, and is much nicer than the Arnage-based Azure that replaced it.

[@mariopizzamanmario8563]

Well, as far as opening the door from the rear seat is concerned, my 1982 V8 Range Rover 2-door ALSO has double door handles. So yes there is at least one other car where the rear passengers can open the doors. 😁

[@stephenvelden295]

MY 1965 Buick Riviera also had this feature. I believe quite a few American luxury cars featured the handles for the rear passengers as 2 door models were more common in the uSA.

[@JohannesSebastian]

Two doorhandles...well, take my money Upper lower temp. is found in RR aswell👍

[@bejay69]

Any more work on the influenzo?

[@Number27]

Coming soon..

[@chriskappert1365]

As a Dutchman I have to say you Brits made cars and every once in a while you just nailed it ..... This Bentley was that once in a while . It's shape , interior .........beyond beautiful . No German , Italian or whoever does this better than you ! It fully justifies its high price in my view , as does a Renoir or Vermeer being a work of art .

[@charlesb7019]

The Cadillac Eldorado had double interior door handles from 1967 to 1978.

[@philhawley1219]

Ref. the twin interior door handles. The original Range Rover had the same.

[@tarekmirdad]

Great presentation Jack. I enjoy your videos always. I like to mention that the second door openers from inside were present in older Cournich models.

[@novaseline4u]

The transmission in this car is a GM TurboHydramatic 4L80-E. This was initially a truck transmission, given it's ability to withstand 440 ft lb of torque. It is electronically shifted by the car's powertrain computer system. The transmission cannot shift by itself. Lockup torque converters are available for it, but the writeup I saw did not specify if it was originally equipped with one. They did say that RR/Bentley did some tweaking on it for their own applications. It is evolved from the TurboHydramatic 400 from 1963. (I own one of those, in my 64 Cadillac). The TH400 series transmissions are tough as nails, and are regularly used in racing, here in the US.

[@toreberger646]

Beautiful🍀

[@albertperks3476]

The dual level temperature system was originally developed for for the RR Carmague - I understand development costs were huge as it was a challenge to get right.

[@Number27]

Interesting, thank you Albert!!

[@baasbowing]

Hi Jack, great video of a sublime car. My 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado had the extra door handle for the passengers in the rear seat…👍🏼

[@joeseeking3572]

As did the Rivs and Eldorados.

[@gregharvie3896]

Hi Jack, from Sydney< Australia. One of my Nan's brothers owned a series of Rolls & Bentley models from 1965. at the end of the November '65 Sydney motor show he collected his new Silver Shadow & retained it for the rest of his life. It gave him the bug, it was added to by a 1969 T series Bentley Mulliner Parkward Coupe, which was then replaced in 1973 by a long wheelbase Wraith, which was replaced by a 1977 series 2 R-R Corniche coupe, which in 1981 became a Camargue which he loved & loved & kept for years eventually replacing it with a 1994 Bentley Continental R, its turbo gave some repeated trouble after a while, so it was "pensioned off" in 1998 and replaced with a Silver Seraph. When ordering it from new you could select from a vast array of woodwork trims which were more luxurious in look and feel that the near identical Arnage Bentley AND Jack consider, when the interior was first designed the new Continental R was to be a Rolls Royce Corniche/Camargue replacement hence the more luxurious upmarket interior. As a loyal and regular buyer of R-R cars, he was sent a portfolio of their new upcoming model and in that portfolio it was listed as being a Rolls Royce , so I wonder how late in the day was it finally designated as a Bentley, sadly this was the only one of all of the cars that ever gave any grief. The best without doubt was the Camargue and having driven them all it was my favorite too, as they were built on the longer Wraith wheelbase the extra inches, stiffer suspension settings etc. all improved its drivability, sadly it was wrecked by a drunk in a bus when holidaying in Brisbane. Having driven both cars I think that the stiffer Camargue suspension, and the longer wheelbase eliminate some of the weird feeling from the rear suspension found in the Continental R. As in the 1981 Camargue's they changed the rear suspension settings, so they ride higher & stiffer at the rear, as the early ones were more softly sprung & sat kind of droopy & low at the rear, so the later Camargue's shared a stiffened version of the updated suspension of the 1981 Silver Spirit's. Also R-R's sent him also in mid 80's a proposal for an update to the Camargue, it was a completed UK registered vehicle, possessing the rectangular headlights from the Silver Spiritand a slightly more aggressive stance to the front grille, which always canted forward , however in the re-do it had slightly more lean to it akin to a Jag mk10/420G, a full width rear taillight, an ever so slightly flatter higher rear roof line where the roof extended further rear wards and the glass angle more steep/sheer giving more rear head & leg room by moving the rear seat slightly further back, plus the rear window was slightly smaller giving a little more privacy the boot lid began slightly higher up than the existing car and gave it a slightly sloping effect rather than being almost flat, there were beautiful polished alloy wheels that shone like chrome hubcaps and looked discrete, a nice sill rail/rocker panel stainless trim instead of oceans of black paint beneath the current inch stainless molding, and an under rear bar valance panel that mimicked the front where the number plate sat just underneath the rear bumper. Vickers should have made both the new short bodied Bentley Continental R's and the revised Camargue, as that also looked very pretty, and the dimensional portfolio showed in sketches where the changes had been made to the bodywork, and it was ever, ever so subtle.

[@benofbrown]

Great video Jack, these are really lovely cars. This one has the same wheels as my Turbo R as well. I think you're suffering slight memory loss though, the split level climate control was also in the Turbo R you drove a while ago! I am a bit biased as a Turbo R owner and would say that was more significant than the Continental R in revitalising the Bentley brand though this Continental R certainly would have helped in that effort. They've held their price a lot better than the Turbo R anyway, though I can't complain about that, without the depreciation I wouldn't have been able to buy mine. I'm surprised the torque converter doesn't lock, I'd expect it to be the same as the one in the Turbo R from the time which locks at 50 mph. You're absolutely right about seeing them in the flesh, I recently saw one for the first time at the garage that does my servicing and they really are very eye catching. Not necessarily pretty, but very elegant. Keep up the good work!

[@Phiyedough]

For me a proper Bentley would need to have chrome bumpers.

[@greenepanda]

Any rolls Royce or Bentley built by VW, bmw will never compare in quality to the previous generation crewe built examples.. turbo R’s , corniches (1st gens ) sedenca coupes and r420’s , were truly exceptional vehicles and that level of craftsmanship isn’t appreciated today.. I mean the Lamborghini urus is embarrassing enough compared to a LM002.. it’s just a shame what the “quick result” internet climate has done to most celebrated things today. Ewe

[@ianscorey5293]

The two door Range Rover had front and back door handles on the main doors!!!! Same as the Bentley you have just reviewed !!!!! Interesting video!!!! Regards Ian 👨‍🎤🇳🇿

[@allanwinter4991]

Hello there Jack. Do you use the same roads for testing as Harry Metcalfe? They look familiar.

[@Number27]

Yes I do, I live very close to the road..

[@allanwinter4991]

You guys do the best road tests out there.

[@bcfairlie1]

If. Just if, in a perfect world I could choose any 3 cars for my garage, then this Continental would be one of these. Beside it, there would be a 1954-55 Continental series 1 coupe. Life would be lovely. Oh, I hear you say, what would be the third car?.............a 54..Jowett Javelin. Of course

[@s.s.p.9680]

Probably the fall of the Pound Sterling and the rise of the Euro are also the cause why Bentley prices are now so small compared to EU cars. Also, the fact that all later expensive 2-door Bentleys were not as revolutionary as this one. However, the 600 W140 is not the best example to compare, because not many people know that the price of the 600 W140 was in line with later 65, not 600, so very expensive. Maybe something like MB S380 or BMW 730 would be more telling.

[@ianmangham4570]

Remember going London with my mate and his mum ,seen the just out Bentley mulsanne Turbo HUGE black beast ,some posh central London Post 📫 code, huge TYRES back then very early 80s

[@johnheffernan5265]

Just came across this. Good review but some seriously incorrect points.The Bentley P90 was designed by myself and my then partner Ken Greenley. It was a success at the Geneva show and led to us designing the CXA Rolls Corniche replacement which segued into the Conti R after Peter Ward became MD. It was developed at Mulliner Park Ward in London and no Crewe people were involved. Graham Hull popped in sometimes to check on progress. Ken and I signed over the design patent to the Crewe legal people. Herr Piech of VW Audi owned one which he liked so he bought the company . Vickers , the then owners , were too unambitious to grow Rolls and Bentley.. This will all be In my forthcoming book called " Aston to Bentley - a designers story " Cheers John Heffernan

[@aperson7584]

... The Sultan of Brunei basically kept Bentley from bankruptcy, with all his crazy commissions (Bentley Dominator @ £3m a pop, etc.)

[@MorningNapalm]

The Range Rover classic had two handles in the doors as well, starting in 1970.

[@InTeCredo]

Has anyone ever seen Mulsanne Grand Convertible on the road? Bentley reportedly had a concept car based on Mulsanne Speed and planned to build 19 units for $3.5 million each. However, nothing came out of that to this day. The project was probably cancelled quietly given that Bentley had ended the Mulsanne production in 2019.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

I don't care very much about the mechanical details of cars I just love and appreciate the beautiful lines and the impeccable craftmanship. For me there will never be a more beautiful and elegant car than the Bentley Continental. The Bentleys were beautiful until the early 2000s when they began to look like pregnant cows. The same applies to Rolls Royce. The last beautiful Rolls Royce was the Corniche 2000-2002.

[@JPoulAndersson]

You're absolutely right: these cars in seen real life have a surprising amount of presence and elegance.

[@Logic7repair]

Independent British Bentley, he said, owned by Volkswagen, right?? Needless to say 2 handles rather look ugly, just too many handles on that poor door.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Since this Continental R, Bentley sold the fastest production car in the world, for a decade. The 1990's were good to Bentley. Their 2 door Saloons are much more than just your average coupe.

[@E7DMG]

Lucky enough to own one a 1993 early one. Less power to weight than the 95 Turb R it replaced. Loved the catalogue strap line. "Two cars for the price of Three"

[@notroll1279]

I always thought this was directed at the same audience as the RR Camargue a few years before: snobs who bought a car not although it was an overpriced barge but BECAUSE it was one - which was why I wouldn't have wanted to be seen dead in one of those. Asking for 40 k £ in return for 4" less wheelbase points in just that direction. I wonder what body parts will cost for those...

[@franzliszt4257]

It drives like the Queen Mary and uses about the same amount of fuel. I got about 250 miles out of the tank, driving slowly. The best about it is the enormous torque. The transmission is really a "slush box". The ride is comfy and the leather and wood is unequal (although the leather contracts in the bot climate in places where it should not. My wife hated it. Buying a S600 would have been a better decisions.

[@shawnmungur4875]

Funny story... My 1985 Toyota Hilux Surf has two door handles, but nowhere near that level of stunning luxury.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

A car with blue blood coursing through it's vain 's! It's a really cool car tho Jack!

[@aussiebloke609]

The interior styling is what I call "Ye Olde English Gentleman's Club", all soft leather and walnut panels and soft lighting and quiet.

[@igorkoske8376]

Bentley Brooklands had two handles as well on the coupe and it was made all the way till 2011 and it was more expensive then the Continental of the same era. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentley_Brooklands

[@marchagar465]

I find increasingly hilarious the intellectual effort expended upon fetishising luxury cars. I consider one (whether owner, video-creator, or viewer) would get if you like more bang for your sterling by investing in some personal therapy.

[@ogo2l]

My 1981 2 door Range Rover had the same arangement of door handles. I like to think of the 2 door Range Rover as the coupe model. LOL

[@petewoodroffemusic]

Nonesense... Bentley and Rolls are obviously joined at the hip and originally developed for different markets... Still same today! And the idea that we wouldn't have the new Bentley if it wasn't for the old one can be said to be true for every car ever made that's still made!!!

[@End_Domestic_Violence]

I see a line of plastic buttons in the middle there. Very baffling to a simple chap like myself. I'd always assumed these rich blighters' cars were meant to be an escape from the crudeness and vulgarity of reality into a more elegant universe. I'd replace the plastic buttons with something more elegant. Oh well, cheerio chaps!😆

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

I love my 1973 Rolls Royce Mulliner Park Ward Corniche two door saloon, she cost me a fortune to run sometimes bus she's lovely

[@danieleverywhere132]

upper and lower temp??? i could adjust if it my aircon blows only up console or legs or all together on my CLio elegance,yes but shitty shitty value not to mention half of Rolls Royces and Bentleys 20 years old are more rusty than my Clio again

[@P.Galore]

I have lusted after this car since it was introduced. It is certainly among the Top 5 Most Beautiful Coupes ever designed. I never understood why they shortened the T version. It's not like that made any difference in handling. It only made the ride worse and eliminated the use of the back seats.

[@michael-po1vb]

Range Rover Classic 2 door from 1970 has 2 door handles for rear passenger access. This Continental is gorgeous.

[@tonyfischer-ev9ij]

The electrics were a problem on that and the Turbo R. The starting circuit wires through the alternator. If the alternator fails. You can't start it. These cars and the Turbo R spend more time in the garage. .... avoid !

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

A glorious car. Bentleys since then have just lacked the looks and CLASS of this.

[@colechapman6976]

I think this car is powered by harrumphs! What a classic vehicle I can see driving down the driveway of a stunning country estate

[@dannybeun948]

Still toujours très très chic 👌

[@Your.Uncle.AngMoh]

I think the "land yacht" luxo barge American coupes of the mid-70s had separate door handles for the rear passenger to open the door. the '76 Eldorado and Toronado come to mind. This model and the 1963 Conti S3 are truly gorgeous cars.

[@Lance54689]

Yes, my '77 Eldorado had door handles for the back seat passengers. And the most comfortable seats I've ever sat it, of any kind.