Considering 90s Continental
Discussion
Chaps,
I am considering a 90s Continental budget up to 60K ish (prefer 40 to 50).
Any specific advice on what to look out for - recommended dealers etc?
Currently drive a Bristol 411, and the choice is between a Continental and a Blenheim - your Bentley biased thoughts would be much appreciated.
thanks in anticipation,
sw
I am considering a 90s Continental budget up to 60K ish (prefer 40 to 50).
Any specific advice on what to look out for - recommended dealers etc?
Currently drive a Bristol 411, and the choice is between a Continental and a Blenheim - your Bentley biased thoughts would be much appreciated.
thanks in anticipation,
sw
I'd say the usual common sense info.Rust will be one of the biggest problem areas,so check any car over thoroughly.After that an impeccable history is most important(not just the general servicing but the other important things such as evidence of maintenance of the hydraulic system etc),and servicing done on time.Finally an inspection by someone who specialises in RR or Bentley is essential and worth every penny.Look at as many as you can to get a feel for value and condition.Buy the best you can afford.
They tend to be very inconsistent, so look at lots of them and get a feel for what is good (awfull) and what is excellent (acceptable, just). Mechanically they suffer from similar maladies as Turbo R's, but on a Continental, the oily bits should be of secondary consideration. Focus on body, panels, and paint, which will, on the whole, be just awfull. They are very home made, and really do suffer with corrosion. The generally poor finish makes it difficult to tell what is a mismatched repainted repair, and what is original (also a mismatched repainted repair), so really get down to it when you check them over.
It always amazes me when at the annual concours, how you can see dozens and dozens of them all in one place, and every now & then you see one and think "f
k me, one that actually looks like its got a good finish on it, not one that looks like it's been flatted and painted by eight year olds with brillo pads and aerosols".
After you've seen a few, you will realise I am not joking!
Make your mantra...
Body, body, body.
Panels, panels, panels.
Paint paint, paint.
As for recommendations? Simon & Stuart at Phantom Motor Cars.
Please be careful at the lower end of the price scale, there are some absolute snotters out there, financially they are just within my reach, but I wouldn't go there unless I owned a body/paint shop.
You can also get a pre-purchase inspection done by the club, carried out be REAL experts, so well worth doing this when you have a short list drawn up.
It always amazes me when at the annual concours, how you can see dozens and dozens of them all in one place, and every now & then you see one and think "f
k me, one that actually looks like its got a good finish on it, not one that looks like it's been flatted and painted by eight year olds with brillo pads and aerosols".After you've seen a few, you will realise I am not joking!
Make your mantra...
Body, body, body.
Panels, panels, panels.
Paint paint, paint.
As for recommendations? Simon & Stuart at Phantom Motor Cars.
Please be careful at the lower end of the price scale, there are some absolute snotters out there, financially they are just within my reach, but I wouldn't go there unless I owned a body/paint shop.
You can also get a pre-purchase inspection done by the club, carried out be REAL experts, so well worth doing this when you have a short list drawn up.
My old man bought a Mulliner Continental R (basically a limited edition long wheelbase Continental T) from Phantom Motors last year and they were great.
He called another well known independent to ask them to go and see the car and check it over but they said not to bother as all of Phantom's cars were top quality.
He called another well known independent to ask them to go and see the car and check it over but they said not to bother as all of Phantom's cars were top quality.
Balmoral Green said:
They tend to be very inconsistent, so look at lots of them and get a feel for what is good (awfull) and what is excellent (acceptable, just). Mechanically they suffer from similar maladies as Turbo R's, but on a Continental, the oily bits should be of secondary consideration. Focus on body, panels, and paint, which will, on the whole, be just awfull. They are very home made, and really do suffer with corrosion. The generally poor finish makes it difficult to tell what is a mismatched repainted repair, and what is original (also a mismatched repainted repair), so really get down to it when you check them over.
It always amazes me when at the annual concours, how you can see dozens and dozens of them all in one place, and every now & then you see one and think "fk me, one that actually looks like its got a good finish on it, not one that looks like it's been flatted and painted by eight year olds with brillo pads and aerosols".
After you've seen a few, you will realise I am not joking!
Make your mantra...
Body, body, body.
Panels, panels, panels.
Paint paint, paint.
As for recommendations? Simon & Stuart at Phantom Motor Cars.
Please be careful at the lower end of the price scale, there are some absolute snotters out there, financially they are just within my reach, but I wouldn't go there unless I owned a body/paint shop.
You can also get a pre-purchase inspection done by the club, carried out be REAL experts, so well worth doing this when you have a short list drawn up.
BG I've always wanted one of these, and you've just shattered my dream. especially when they are almost within financial reach. Oh, Classic cars magazine a while back did an article on buying one. Worth reading if you can find it.It always amazes me when at the annual concours, how you can see dozens and dozens of them all in one place, and every now & then you see one and think "f
k me, one that actually looks like its got a good finish on it, not one that looks like it's been flatted and painted by eight year olds with brillo pads and aerosols".After you've seen a few, you will realise I am not joking!
Make your mantra...
Body, body, body.
Panels, panels, panels.
Paint paint, paint.
As for recommendations? Simon & Stuart at Phantom Motor Cars.
Please be careful at the lower end of the price scale, there are some absolute snotters out there, financially they are just within my reach, but I wouldn't go there unless I owned a body/paint shop.
You can also get a pre-purchase inspection done by the club, carried out be REAL experts, so well worth doing this when you have a short list drawn up.
williamp said:
you've just shattered my dream.
Not at all, they are just very home made and poorly finished, as is the old Azure. Not that the more regular saloons like mine were much better. Hand built luxury cars have paint and panel work that just wouldn't be acceptable on say a £7000 Hyundai. The later cars are of course much better, and the VAG ones are superb, but then you are talking about mass produced Bentleys, which, like BMW or Mercedes, are always going to be far superior in finish to the low volume hand finished item. With the Continental, on the whole, if more or less original, or with the odd bit of refurb done here & there, I find them nearly all shocking. Not that it would put me off one, I would love an 'R' or a 'T'.
Interesting comments.
I can't argue that the Blenheim is as immediately attractive as the Bentley, but whatever it looks like I quite like the independent, quirky image.
(It does really look horrid from the rear 3/4 though)
With regard to upgrading the 411 i have considered that route and am seriously tempted by the 411S6, which is a completely new car on a refurbed chassis with a refurbed body.
Several 10Ks more than a Blenheim or all but the best, rare late Continentals.
so here's the dilemma that I've spent all the hours on the internet:
70 - 90 K on a late blenhiem
Similar money on a Continental
Gamble on a 40Kish continental
Nearly new M5 for 40 to 50K (where did that come from!)
I suppose it's fun deciding!
thanks
sw
I can't argue that the Blenheim is as immediately attractive as the Bentley, but whatever it looks like I quite like the independent, quirky image.
(It does really look horrid from the rear 3/4 though)
With regard to upgrading the 411 i have considered that route and am seriously tempted by the 411S6, which is a completely new car on a refurbed chassis with a refurbed body.
Several 10Ks more than a Blenheim or all but the best, rare late Continentals.
so here's the dilemma that I've spent all the hours on the internet:
70 - 90 K on a late blenhiem
Similar money on a Continental
Gamble on a 40Kish continental
Nearly new M5 for 40 to 50K (where did that come from!)
williamp said:
Oh Bristol or Bentley. Choices, choices....! I'd be happy with either, although personally the Bentley would swing it for me. I take it you have discounted Astons? (yes, I know its a Bentley forum, but I only mentioned it once)
Do you think an 80s V8 Vantage could stand up to 10 - 15K mile per year without ruining me. My uneducated guess would be that the running costs we be more horrific than the bentley. Something that isn't that much of a problem with the Bristol.I suppose it's fun deciding!
thanks
sw
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 31st July 14:04
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 31st July 14:07
If you are considering that sort of money on a Continental, I would seriously suggest looking at the silver Continental 'T' that Phantom Motors have in stock at the moment. I have seen the car on display at the recent BDC rally & concours and gave it a good long hard going over, inside & out, it is as good as it gets 
It is the car I would buy today if I had the dosh. The slightly shorter wheelbase and wider track makes it look ever so slightly agressive over the standard 'R'.
http://www.pmcuk.com/BentleyDetails.asp?iwdatabank...
And if you're considering M5's, what about a VAG Bentley like a Conti GT? They're pretty fantastic and a good daily driver. Although if you're thinking Continentals and Bristols, perhaps not?
It is the car I would buy today if I had the dosh. The slightly shorter wheelbase and wider track makes it look ever so slightly agressive over the standard 'R'.http://www.pmcuk.com/BentleyDetails.asp?iwdatabank...
And if you're considering M5's, what about a VAG Bentley like a Conti GT? They're pretty fantastic and a good daily driver. Although if you're thinking Continentals and Bristols, perhaps not?
Edited by Balmoral Green on Thursday 31st July 14:14
Balmoral Green said:
And if you're considering M5's, what about a VAG Bentley like a Conti GT? They're pretty fantastic and a good daily driver. Although if you're thinking Continentals and Bristols, perhaps not?
I suppose I could debadge the M5 and look like an insurance rep rather than a footballer though?I note that you strongly recommend Phantom and PA Wood? does anyone else pass the test
Balmoral?
Frank Dale?
that Phantom Motors one does look v v good.
ETA
Just realised I've gone from 60K to 90K budget in two days. I must be F'ing mad. My wife will kill me.
thanks very much,
sw
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 31st July 14:24
I can't speak from personal experience on the subject of Continentals other than to endorse BG's comments about PMC - a great bunch of genuine enthusiasts who know a lot about these cars.
Fine looking cars, Continentals, but basically just Turbo Rs in a (very) smart suit, with two less doors, restricted rear seat space / legroom and great looks. If you usually travel alone or with one passenger, go for it; if you regularly take a second or third passenger who has full-size legs, or occasionally a fourth, with or without legs, consider a Turbo R or an Arnage T.
I like to use my older cars regularly - as daily drivers (though not as THE daily driver - I prefer to have several daily drivers, variety being the spice of life). I am finding that I use my Turbo R less and less these days because it is too big (especially too wide) and too "in your face", so as often as not when I need a large, comfortable car, I can't be bothered to take the Bentley out of the garage and just use the Merc instead, which is a bit depressing (not that I dislike my Merc, I just like my Bentley more and Mercs are two-a-penny). From time to time I wonder whether I would be better off with something with Bentley-like qualities, but a little more subtle, like a Bristol. As I do not like the looks of any Bristol after the 411, it would have to be a 411 or nothing.
Which brings me to two points:
If you swapped your Bristol for a Bentley, you may not use it as much as I assume you do your Bristol (judging by your remarks about the advisability of doing 15K miles a year in an Aston), so you might regret it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about swapping a turbo R for a 411, withthe intention of using it as one of a number of daily drivers? does it have the same "feelgood factor"? What would a good 411 cost?
Fine looking cars, Continentals, but basically just Turbo Rs in a (very) smart suit, with two less doors, restricted rear seat space / legroom and great looks. If you usually travel alone or with one passenger, go for it; if you regularly take a second or third passenger who has full-size legs, or occasionally a fourth, with or without legs, consider a Turbo R or an Arnage T.
I like to use my older cars regularly - as daily drivers (though not as THE daily driver - I prefer to have several daily drivers, variety being the spice of life). I am finding that I use my Turbo R less and less these days because it is too big (especially too wide) and too "in your face", so as often as not when I need a large, comfortable car, I can't be bothered to take the Bentley out of the garage and just use the Merc instead, which is a bit depressing (not that I dislike my Merc, I just like my Bentley more and Mercs are two-a-penny). From time to time I wonder whether I would be better off with something with Bentley-like qualities, but a little more subtle, like a Bristol. As I do not like the looks of any Bristol after the 411, it would have to be a 411 or nothing.
Which brings me to two points:
If you swapped your Bristol for a Bentley, you may not use it as much as I assume you do your Bristol (judging by your remarks about the advisability of doing 15K miles a year in an Aston), so you might regret it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about swapping a turbo R for a 411, withthe intention of using it as one of a number of daily drivers? does it have the same "feelgood factor"? What would a good 411 cost?
Bluebottle911 said:
Fine looking cars, Continentals, but basically just Turbo Rs in a (very) smart suit, with two less doors, restricted rear seat space / legroom and great looks. If you usually travel alone or with one passenger, go for it; if you regularly take a second or third passenger who has full-size legs, or occasionally a fourth, with or without legs, consider a Turbo R or an Arnage T.
I guess it comes down to a rate for the exclusivity, to the detriment of condition or value for money. £15-20K gets a very nice Turbo R indeed, £25K gets a mint last of the line Turbo RT, £30-40K gets a good Arnage, but £40K gets you a Continental on a par, condition wise, with a say a rough £5K Turbo R snotter from the auction. A Camargue with Turbo R drivetrain would be my choice
Bluebottle911 said:
Which brings me to two points:
If you swapped your Bristol for a Bentley, you may not use it as much as I assume you do your Bristol (judging by your remarks about the advisability of doing 15K miles a year in an Aston), so you might regret it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about swapping a turbo R for a 411, withthe intention of using it as one of a number of daily drivers? does it have the same "feelgood factor"? What would a good 411 cost?
If you swapped your Bristol for a Bentley, you may not use it as much as I assume you do your Bristol (judging by your remarks about the advisability of doing 15K miles a year in an Aston), so you might regret it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about swapping a turbo R for a 411, withthe intention of using it as one of a number of daily drivers? does it have the same "feelgood factor"? What would a good 411 cost?
I use my 411 in a very similar way to you -alongside a Sagaris, A 50s 404 and a Jensen Interceptor (a dog!), with a Range Rover for family duties.
I find myself using the 411 more than the others. It certainly copes with 15K miles and with the exception of pretty bad petrol bills is cheap to run and look after.
Bristol Cars sell good ones for 40Kish. Decent ones (a bit scruffy, but sound) from 15 to 25 via other routes. Engine is a very un-exotic Chrysler V8 so is reliable and easy to look after. Very comfortable and will fit 4 OK and easy drive around town due to being quite narrow. Quite capable on the B roads, and will cruise at 80ish very comfortably. Very few have aircon, which is a bind in the current weather.
I might revisit the upgrade route after that write up!.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 31st July 22:58
desolate said:
Bluebottle911 said:
Which brings me to two points:
If you swapped your Bristol for a Bentley, you may not use it as much as I assume you do your Bristol (judging by your remarks about the advisability of doing 15K miles a year in an Aston), so you might regret it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about swapping a turbo R for a 411, withthe intention of using it as one of a number of daily drivers? does it have the same "feelgood factor"? What would a good 411 cost?
If you swapped your Bristol for a Bentley, you may not use it as much as I assume you do your Bristol (judging by your remarks about the advisability of doing 15K miles a year in an Aston), so you might regret it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about swapping a turbo R for a 411, withthe intention of using it as one of a number of daily drivers? does it have the same "feelgood factor"? What would a good 411 cost?
I use my 411 in a very similar way to you -alongside a Sagaris, A 50s 404 and a Jensen Interceptor (a dog!), with a Range Rover for family duties.
I find myself using the 411 more than the others. It certainly copes with 15K miles and with the exception of pretty bad petrol bills is cheap to run and look after.
Bristol Cars sell good ones for 40Kish. Decent ones (a bit scruffy, but sound) from 15 to 25 via other routes. Engine is a very un-exotic Chrysler V8 so is reliable and easy to look after. Very comfortable and will fit 4 OK and easy drive around town due to being quite narrow. Quite capable on the B roads, and will cruise at 80ish very comfortably. Very few have aircon, which is a bind in the current weather.
I might revisit the upgrade route after that write up!.
Edited by desolate on Thursday 31st July 22:58
I have recentley disposed of my 2001 conti r mulliner.without doubt the most beautiful car bentley have ever made but fairly impractical.also even with the best maintenance still not that reliable.be prepared to love and hate the car together.The wide body car is much better looking and will not depreciate much if anything.do not buy one without full history from proper people----you will regret it. HARRY D. PS. Phantom motors stuart and simon are lovely people.
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