General Description
Aside from the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz, over the course of history there are few manufacturers as synonymous with bespoke coachbuilding as Bentley. Without doubt, for a prominent far eastern based Royal Family.
The fantastic array cars produced especially for use by said Royal Family are today amongst the most sought-after Bentleys built whilst the storied marque was under ownership of Vickers. Most have never, and likely will never, see the light of day. Just a handful of coupes have been sold on and exist outside of royal ownership, now residing within other prominent world leading exclusive collections.
For the very first major collaboration with Bentley Motors, fourteen bespoke Continental Rs were commissioned with a variety of mechanical and cosmetic differences from the standard production cars. Dubbed the Bentley Continental R Superfast, this was abbreviated to ‘SuFaCon’, SUper FAst CONtinental.
The most significant difference in the SuFaCons were their P300-specification engines, boasting 527 bhp. This was a huge boost in performance compared to the Continental R (328 bhp) and the Continental T (400 bhp). The sprint to 60 mph from a standstill is said to take just five seconds flat, a seriously impressive figure for a car of this age and size. As one would expect, the wheels and brakes (with twin-calipers up front) were updated accordingly to handle the additional performance. A louvered bonnet and revised bumpers were also fitted, along with sport seats sourced from the Azure.
Succeeding the SuFaCon, Bentley built a series 4-door examples of the Continental R. 19 examples were completed before the production evolved. 1995 saw the introduction of the coachbuilt, Mulliner Parkward Continental R ‘long-wheelbase’, with each of these 14 examples fitted with the P300- specification SuFaCon powerplant. A further six examples were built and fully armour plated.
The Continental R ‘long-wheelbase’ was built on the four inch longer underframe of the Silver Spur, with all the space given to the rear passenger compartment. The VIN for each of these cars received an ‘H’, in deviation from standard production.
About this specific vehicle
This example is thought to be finished in Diamond Blue Silver, although the commissioning family created numerous bespoke colours over the production run. The interior is full black leather, with dark wood veneer.
The car has sat for considerable time and is not in a running state. Although it is accompanied by numerous parts, no attempt has been made to start the car. Inspections are welcomed and available by appointment. This 4-door SuFaCon is the sole example understood to have escaped and whilst restoration is required, the opportunity to acquire such an example is arguably unrepeatable.
*Payment within 3 working days and collection within 7 calendar days.
**DK Engineering are selling this vehicle as dealership owned stock. The usual level of DK Engineering service can be expected, and viewings are welcome, however no warranty is given or implied and the sale shall be carried out via bill of sale.
