Bentley Continental R
1991–2003 · Bentley Continental R — Grand Tourer, V8 Turbo, designed by John Heffernan & Ken Greenley.
The Story
After decades of Bentleys that were really just sportier Rolls-Royces, the 1991 Continental R was the marque’s declaration of independence — the first Bentley with a body all its own since the S3 of 1965. It grew out of the 1985 ‘Project 90’ concept by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, the design that convinced Crewe a genuine driver’s coupe could revive the brand.
Hand-built, vast and dramatic, it became the most expensive production car in the world at launch. The red Geneva show car was bought on the spot by the Sultan of Brunei — the beginning of a patronage that would keep Bentley alive. The short-wheelbase Continental T (1996) sharpened it into a 426-hp bruiser.
The Numbers
Benchmarked against its class
Each dial ranks this car within its Grand Tourer class — fuller means higher, and the tick marks the class midpoint.
Signature Colors
The Designer
John Heffernan & Ken Greenley
British partnership, both RCA-linked (Greenley headed its transport-design course). Won the Aston Virage commission (1988) and styled the Bentley Continental R and the Panther Solo. Source: Classic Driver / Wikipedia (IAD).
Studio Motors POV
The car that reminded the world Bentley could be a driver’s marque, not a Rolls in a louder suit — and a hand-built 1990s coupe whose presence the modern Continental GT still chases.
The Engine
Rolls-Royce / Bentley L-Series 6¾ V8
Lineage
Where it sits in the bloodline
Market & Value
Values on cars like this move monthly. Our brokers price from real transactions.
What Reviewers Said About Continental R
Worth Knowing About the Continental R
3 Things You Didn’t Know
- 1. It was the first Bentley with a body unique to the marque — not shared with Rolls-Royce — since the 1965 S3.
- 2. It began as the 1985 'Project 90' concept by Heffernan & Greenley, the same pair who penned the Aston Martin Virage.
- 3. The Sultan of Brunei bought the red Geneva show car at the event — the start of his legendary, Bentley-shaping patronage.
5 Fast Facts
- 1. The most expensive production car in the world at launch (~$271,780, 1992).
- 2. First unique-bodied Bentley since the 1965 S3.
- 3. Single Garrett-turbo 6.75 V8; the SWB Continental T (1996) made up to 426 hp.
- 4. 1,533 Continental R + 322 Continental T built (1991–2002).
- 5. Designed by Heffernan & Greenley (see Designers / MORE CARS).
Provenance
Owners & what to look for
Famous Owners
The Sultan of Brunei — bought the Geneva show car on the spot and went on to commission a string of bespoke Continental R/T ‘Superfast’ specials; his patronage is widely credited with keeping Bentley solvent in the 1990s. (Documented; Classic Driver / Wikipedia.)
Studio Buyer’s Brief
The short-wheelbase Continental T for power and rarity, late Mulliner cars for spec; watch the 6.75’s turbo and cooling, the GM 4-speed auto, and ruinously expensive trim. Brunei-spec provenance adds real value.
Full Specifications
- Make / Model
- Bentley Continental R
- Class
- Grand Tourer
- Production years
- 1991–2003
- Units built
- 1,533 Continental R + 322 Continental T
- Variants
- Continental T (SWB, 1996, 426 hp); Continental SC (Sedanca targa, 1998); Continental R Mulliner
- Engine layout
- Front
- Engine
- V8 Turbo
- Engine family
- Rolls-Royce / Bentley L-Series 6¾ V8
- Displacement
- 6,750 cc (6.75 L)
- Power
- 420 hp
- Torque
- 650 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph
- 5.8 s
- Top speed
- 170 mph
- Power-to-weight
- 174 hp/tonne · 12.7 lb/hp
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic (GM 4L80-E)
- Drivetrain
- RWD · Petrol
- Curb weight
- 5335 lb
Questions
Continental R FAQ
What was historically significant about the 1991 Bentley Continental R?
The Continental R (1991-2003) was the first Bentley with a body unique to the marque since the 1965 S3 Continental. At launch it was the most expensive catalogued production car in the world, priced at £178,000 in the UK.
Who designed the Bentley Continental R coupe?
The Continental R was designed by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley — the same duo behind the Aston Martin Virage. Their 1985 Project 90 concept convinced Crewe that a unique-bodied Bentley coupe was commercially viable.
What engine and performance does the Bentley Continental R offer?
The Continental R uses a single Garrett-turbocharged 6.75-litre V8. The range-topping short-wheelbase Continental T (from 1996) develops up to 420 hp and 650 lb-ft; early Continental Rs produced around 325 hp.
Who was the most famous collector of the Bentley Continental R?
The Sultan of Brunei purchased the Continental R Geneva show car at its 1991 debut and went on to commission numerous bespoke variants. Patronage from the Sultan and his brother is widely credited with helping sustain Bentley financially through the 1990s.
How much is a Bentley Continental R worth today?
Continental Rs typically trade for $50,000-$80,000; the rarer short-wheelbase Continental T commands $80,000-$130,000. Hagerty tracks current valuations for the model.
The Bentley Lineup
Explore every Bentley
3 Litre ’216½ Litre / Speed Six ’264½ Litre ’27Blower 4½ Litre ’29
R-Type Continental ’52S1 Continental ’55S-Type Saloon (S1/S2/S3) ’55S2/S3 Continental ’59
Mulsanne (1980) ’80Turbo R ’85
Continental R ’91Azure ’95Arnage ’98
Continental GT (1st gen) ’03Continental Flying Spur ’05Azure (2nd gen) ’06Brooklands (Coupé) ’08
Mulsanne (2010) ’10Continental GT (2nd gen) ’11Flying Spur (2nd gen) ’13Bentayga ’15Continental GT (3rd gen) ’18Flying Spur (3rd gen) ’19
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