Discussion
I think it looks great, couple of small points, shouldn't it read 420BHP, if it was commissioned as a Bentley demonstrator how can it be one owner, did they not register and use it, says it's only done 800 miles since the last service but when was it done and what else has it had done over the years? My suspicion would be he's got it on SOR and doesn't own it, would merit further digging in to and inspection.
[quote=buyer&seller]I think it looks great, couple of small points, shouldn't it read 420BHP, if it was commissioned as a Bentley demonstrator how can it be one owner, did they not register and use it, says it's only done 800 miles since the last service but when was it done and what else has it had done over the years? My suspicion would be he's got it on SOR and doesn't own it, would merit further digging in to and inspection.
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I believe that the 420bhp engine was introduced at the Geneva Show in March 1999 so it is possible that this car had the 400bhp engine. I remember seeing a "T" at the NEC Motor Show in this colour. Perhaps it is the same one.
I think the price reflects the mileage but lack of use is minus not a plus. An inspection by Phantom Motors who know the model inside out would be money well spent.
Its definitely more collectible than an "R" but its 4 inches shorter with less rear seat room but its lighter and a little bit quicker than a Mulliner "R" which has the same engine.
Let us know if you progress it.
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I believe that the 420bhp engine was introduced at the Geneva Show in March 1999 so it is possible that this car had the 400bhp engine. I remember seeing a "T" at the NEC Motor Show in this colour. Perhaps it is the same one.
I think the price reflects the mileage but lack of use is minus not a plus. An inspection by Phantom Motors who know the model inside out would be money well spent.
Its definitely more collectible than an "R" but its 4 inches shorter with less rear seat room but its lighter and a little bit quicker than a Mulliner "R" which has the same engine.
Let us know if you progress it.
If you already know the Continental platform then you'll know whether the seating and pedal position suits you. I am not alone in finding it a chronically uncomfortable car to drive - my body and the driving position are far from an ideal match. The chassis is very (very!) old tech and even when new the car had a somewhat "classic" feel - the shorter chassis also made the handling wayward and easily overwhelmed by the engine power. Having been on track with them before it's not something I'd recommend. That said, lovely inside, makes you feel a bit "warm and fuzzy", makes a nice noise, looks good value for its prestige although the R-Mulliner is better proportioned to my eye. Not my choice but I understand why someone may opt for one as a modern classic.
Macboy said:
If you already know the Continental platform then you'll know whether the seating and pedal position suits you. I am not alone in finding it a chronically uncomfortable car to drive - my body and the driving position are far from an ideal match. The chassis is very (very!) old tech and even when new the car had a somewhat "classic" feel - the shorter chassis also made the handling wayward and easily overwhelmed by the engine power. Having been on track with them before it's not something I'd recommend. That said, lovely inside, makes you feel a bit "warm and fuzzy", makes a nice noise, looks good value for its prestige although the R-Mulliner is better proportioned to my eye. Not my choice but I understand why someone may opt for one as a modern classic.
Thanks good perspective. I have always wanted one, have loved my Arnage for 12 years and am aware of the older platform's limitations/foibles and the risk of a pricey (head gasket) repair. I'm under no misapprehension that it is a sports car... but the Arnage can be hustled amusingly when you're in the mood. I'm also wondering if they'll ever be a true appreciating classic as they've been stagnant for a long time. Having said that look of the prices of the 60's Bentleys (S3s) that were cheap for so long, and the 70's Corniche's are creeping up, so...? I don't really care about making money, but I don't want to lose too much either. And that color!!spyker138 said:
Thanks good perspective. I have always wanted one
Hi Spyker138Have you driven one yet?
I'm not saying you wouldn't like it....... All I am saying, is that over the years, there's been quite a few different cars that I've longed for, then after driving them I've been left hugely disappointed.
Let's not forget, this is still quite a large sum of money for a very old orange car........ Not that there's anything wrong with orange but at resale you may well find that it's not to everyone's taste, therefore reducing your market - Put a bit more money in and you could go for a low milage, 2012 onwards Mulsanne, it is of course quite a different car but still a fabulous one!
allister said:
Let's not forget, this is still quite a large sum of money for a very old orange car........ Not that there's anything wrong with orange but at resale you may well find that it's not to everyone's taste, therefore reducing your market - Put a bit more money in and you could go for a low milage, 2012 onwards Mulsanne, it is of course quite a different car but still a fabulous one!
Nope you're right I need to drive one first. My circumstances are a bit different to most as I live in the US and this would be in the UK for occasional entertainment when I come back, so I want it to look after itself and maybe be worth as much as I shell out on it over the long term. Yes I intend to get a Mulsanne in the US to replace the Arnage when the prices look even better than now and if I can let the Arnage go (tough to do). The other option is a Brooklands which are much cheaper over here than in the UK for some reason.The colour is very divisive - it's well known that with anything from Crewe, colour can have a massive impact on re-sale-ability.
For me, I find the pedal position simply the best in any car I have driven - I love the way they are properly floor mounted and I find them very anatomical. Saying that, Continental R & T have a lower roofline over the 4 door SZ cars and this results in the seat being closer to the floor and the seating position being more "sporty" - if you can call it that. At 5'10" I drive with the seat right back and I have heard of a modification to enable the seat to go further back.
Personally, in that price bracket, I would prefer an R Mulliner, rather than a T because I think the extra 4" in the wheelbase improves the looks.
They are not everyone's cup of tea, but they are a very unique car, built in tiny numbers and really the last of an era. They have a heavy, tank like feel to them - opening the doors is like opening the door on a Chubb safe, they weigh about the same! and the chromium plated brass handle feels fantastic. The sill-less floors are also, in my view, a great feature.
You are unlikely to loose money in terms of re-sale value.
Didn't Mike Tyson have a Continental SC in that same orange?
For me, I find the pedal position simply the best in any car I have driven - I love the way they are properly floor mounted and I find them very anatomical. Saying that, Continental R & T have a lower roofline over the 4 door SZ cars and this results in the seat being closer to the floor and the seating position being more "sporty" - if you can call it that. At 5'10" I drive with the seat right back and I have heard of a modification to enable the seat to go further back.
Personally, in that price bracket, I would prefer an R Mulliner, rather than a T because I think the extra 4" in the wheelbase improves the looks.
They are not everyone's cup of tea, but they are a very unique car, built in tiny numbers and really the last of an era. They have a heavy, tank like feel to them - opening the doors is like opening the door on a Chubb safe, they weigh about the same! and the chromium plated brass handle feels fantastic. The sill-less floors are also, in my view, a great feature.
You are unlikely to loose money in terms of re-sale value.
Didn't Mike Tyson have a Continental SC in that same orange?
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