It is a Continental R model, to which Bentley installed a glass roof as part of an only partially successful experiment.
Before Bentley reignited the world of sports luxury with the modern Continental GT in 2002, it offered something far more exotic. In 1999, the limited edition Continental SC (Sedan Coupe) was launched, based on the Continental R. This striking sports car is still turning heads almost three decades later, and classic enthusiasts will now have the chance to own one, as an extremely low-mileage example is going up for auction at RM Sotheby's in Miami.
The classic black exterior features a vertical grille with mesh inserts, red Bentley badging and a sporty body that works flawlessly. The car’s biggest feature is its two-piece removable roof; both panels are glass and are complemented by a fixed glass roof above the rear seats. This ensures an open and airy cabin whether the panels are in place or stowed in a dedicated boot space. To maintain torsional rigidity without the roof, engineers have used structural components from the Azure convertible.
The interior is a true monument to good old British craftsmanship, with fully preserved heated leather seats with black trim, walnut wood and metal accents. Under the long bonnet roars the legendary 6,75-litre supercharged V8 engine, developing 406 hp (298 kW) and an almost tank-like 800 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, allowing this heavy coupe to accelerate to 100 km/h in just over six seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The price for this exclusive is not low, as experts estimate that the car will reach a price of between €232.000 and €278.000, which is practically the same as what you would pay for a brand new Continental GT. The high value is justified by the fact that it is one of only 73 examples produced (there are reportedly six more in the Mulliner version). Furthermore, this particular car, which comes from the Canadian market, has driven a mere 4.330 kilometers in the last 27 years, making it a true collector's gem.
