Talk me out of a Conti T
Discussion
Well... working on the fact that its basically the same as my 97 RT
you are staring down the barrel of needing new head gaskets. Call that 6-7k
Then add in at least a full front suspension rebuild -- call that 4k
Maybe some rear too -- remember this is a 2.5 tonne car, even when stationary.
Then add in a full hydraulics services -- call that 4k
I'd factor in 15k of work to make it proper. Plus the fact that the 2doors are not as well built as the 4 doors, so you might need paint etc.
Take it to phantom motors to get them to go over it with a fine tooth comb before parting with your money.
you are staring down the barrel of needing new head gaskets. Call that 6-7k
Then add in at least a full front suspension rebuild -- call that 4k
Maybe some rear too -- remember this is a 2.5 tonne car, even when stationary.
Then add in a full hydraulics services -- call that 4k
I'd factor in 15k of work to make it proper. Plus the fact that the 2doors are not as well built as the 4 doors, so you might need paint etc.
Take it to phantom motors to get them to go over it with a fine tooth comb before parting with your money.
the original factory fitted gaskets are not up to the job -- they go usually around 60-80k miles. Mine went at 65k or so. Its a lot of labour because you have to strip out all the chargecooler stuff etc on the top of the engine.
I believe the replacements are somewhat better, and the engine was redesigned in 2003 isn?
The cars are utterly wonderful. And full throttle is just awesome.
I believe the replacements are somewhat better, and the engine was redesigned in 2003 isn?
The cars are utterly wonderful. And full throttle is just awesome.
to state the bleeding obvious, this is a 200 grand car, handbuilt.
If you want to drive it properly, and enjoy it as it was meant to be, then they need proper servicing from experts, and there are very very few out there which are trustworthy. Several of us go to Phantom Motors need Guildford, and go a *long* distance to get there. Thats cos they are absolutely top notch.
A bentley that is soggy, bad suspension, unreliable is a sad thing indeed. When properly sorted, they are maginificent.
Basically, ask yourself this question: there are two sorts of owners of these cars. Those who buy, sort out (or are v lucky to get a sorted one), and then keep for life. Or those who buy, have a mostly unpleasant experience with a doggy car, and then sell on shortly. Repeat ad nauseum. There are few really sorted cars out there, and they are rarely up for sale.
If you want to drive it properly, and enjoy it as it was meant to be, then they need proper servicing from experts, and there are very very few out there which are trustworthy. Several of us go to Phantom Motors need Guildford, and go a *long* distance to get there. Thats cos they are absolutely top notch.
A bentley that is soggy, bad suspension, unreliable is a sad thing indeed. When properly sorted, they are maginificent.
Basically, ask yourself this question: there are two sorts of owners of these cars. Those who buy, sort out (or are v lucky to get a sorted one), and then keep for life. Or those who buy, have a mostly unpleasant experience with a doggy car, and then sell on shortly. Repeat ad nauseum. There are few really sorted cars out there, and they are rarely up for sale.
I think I have been offered this Continental T some months ago P216CCW she had a very good history with Broughtons and I think 6 owners. More recently it was in the Silverstone Auction at Carfest North yet was unsold. My recollection was they were looking in the early £40s for her.
Great value and a very striking looking example with a huge saving on the new price. If you want to get her checked over before purchase try John Bowing at Bowling and Ryan Tel 01204 700300 John is a leading expert in these vehicles and close to you.
Great value and a very striking looking example with a huge saving on the new price. If you want to get her checked over before purchase try John Bowing at Bowling and Ryan Tel 01204 700300 John is a leading expert in these vehicles and close to you.
Well I'm not going to talk you out of it.
Get it bought!
It'll probably prove expensive to maintain, but so what, it'll be worth every penny.
The Continental T is my very favourite modern Bentley, they are proper.
As suggested, have a chat with Phantom Motors, and maybe get the car checked over.
Get it bought!
It'll probably prove expensive to maintain, but so what, it'll be worth every penny.
The Continental T is my very favourite modern Bentley, they are proper.
As suggested, have a chat with Phantom Motors, and maybe get the car checked over.
jhoneyball said:
you are staring down the barrel of needing new head gaskets. Call that 6-7k
I'm familiar with fantasy-land prices where unusual cars are concerned, but £7k to swap a pair of head gaskets on an as-simple-as-it-gets V8? OK, there's quite a lot of stuff on top to remove to get to them, but even at £100 per hour labour ...I've always wanted one, and keep getting close but need to see the right one. I looked at one at Bramleys recently that had some obvious and not too good paint work done, which they said was 'normal'; so I declined. I have owned an Arnage Red Label for 8 years and have had no issues whatsoever - bought with very low mileage and have looked after it. I would do same with a T - buy the best you possibly can and you should be good.
spyker138 said:
I've always wanted one, and keep getting close but need to see the right one. I looked at one at Bramleys recently that had some obvious and not too good paint work done, which they said was 'normal'; so I declined. I have owned an Arnage Red Label for 8 years and have had no issues whatsoever - bought with very low mileage and have looked after it. I would do same with a T - buy the best you possibly can and you should be good.
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