Why THIS Is The Last Truly Opulent Bentley - Continental R 

I spent my apprenticeship building these, the T bodyshell would go down the line initially pre-assembled as an R before being pulled out of line and shortened, several key joints were left unwelded in readiness.. the flared T arches were Tig welded into standard R panels and metal finished by hand until the joints were undetectable.. great cars and great craftsmen behind them..

My ex-boss had one in the late 90's, as he enjoyed a tipple, I used to get to drive it quite a bit. Wonderful motor, me drumming the steering wheel to fine young cannibals and Peter sleeping blissfully on the passenger seat. Fun times.

Jack is spot-on with his remark on this car's 'presence'. When I lived in London, a neighbour had the 'T' short-wheelbase version, the one with an air vent behind each front wheel-arch (a killer detail for me). No matter how often I walked past it, I had to stop and gawp. One of my hero cars.

Excited for the video...as an owner of a 96 Conti R, I would say your report is spot on. It does feel slightly cramped when you first sit in one, but after that, it's just right and very comfortable. The rear seats are quite usable as well with plenty of leg room. While it has tons of power available, it's happier with a leisurely cruise. I've spent a small fortune sorting mine out, however, they aren't too bad once you get over the fear factor. I'm currently in the market for an Arnage T and will be selling, but that's not for a lack of love, just looking for a new project. At least in the U.S. many of these are in a poor state, mostly purchased by the "I always wanted a Bentley" crowd without the resources or desire to treat them properly. The UK market appears to cherish them a bit more. Thanks again!!!

Art on wheels. Just perfect. My all time dream car.

I owned for a short while a low mileage Silver pearl Continental T with metal turned dash, having swapped my low mileage Vanquish S and i loved the T, The feeling of opulence and the power on kick down was memorable. the styling even today is drop dead gorgeous and its still my favourite bentley . Negatives? The chassis felt its age and therefore a different driving style was required when tackling the twisties. On closing the drivers door the chrome trim on the door handle would come loose but more worryingly was the smoke on kickdown. I returned the car twice to P&A Woods who said they couldnt find the problem , before reimbursing me the purchase price. I still miss the T. Later i purchased from P&A woods a 2010 Phantom Coupe which gave a similar experience but with its newer technology came a better chassis and fit and finish. Today i miss both .. another great video Jack

Jack this interior is the best interior in any car l seen reviewed on any you tube channel fair enough all 1990s and early 2000s Rolls Royces and Bentleys are beautiful but this interior on this Benley is on another level all that real wood and leather just extremely nice it looks fantastic and %90 us made from renewable products the use if metal also very classy

I've owned a '96 model year Conti R for 10 years. I agree with your premise that this is the last properly exclusive Bentley - this fact, the clever design features and the styling are why I bought one - it's worth noting also they only made around 100 a year, LHD & RHD combined - compare that to current volumes!! Great to hear Graham Hull's name mentioned as designer. (thoroughly recommended his book "Inside the Rolls Royce & Bentley styling department", really fascinating). A word of warning - this car has almost caused divorce on numerous occasions..

Nice to see a review on this, thank you. But why have you discounted the Bentley Brooklands Coupe as the last true Bentley? Am I missing something?

By the way, when you mentioned about the rear passenger door handle, there’s also the 1970s Cadillacs, specifically the El Dorado

It is amazing to look at this car. From the outside it is a league of it's own. Elegant but still showing it's power. But the inside is just mindblowing! I have never seen an interior as beautiful as this one.

Great video, Jack. The features and engineering on that Bentley are amazing. I’ve never seen two calipers on the same wheel end. That’s just crazy. I don’t think I would want to maintain that car or troubleshoot it as it is surely an oddball in so many areas. Incidentally, the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado had separate door release handles for the rear seat passengers on both doors. That was cost reduced in later years to only the passenger side door, the reason given that it provided safer exit on the curb side of the vehicle.

Awwww, what an amazing luxury barge. Nothing better than a big, powerful, ever-so-un sensible, thirsty, decadent coupe'. Love it. Cue, Jenses, Bristols, Camargues, etc....

Ah, Heffernan-and-Greenley's masterpiece, 7:43, the designers surely worthy of a mention in this excellent presentation. As for the dual door handles at 5:10, this feature was available in the mid 60's American personal luxury coupes, such as the 1963-65 as well as 1966 Buick Riviera, 1967-68 Imperial Crown Coupe, and 1967-1970 Cadillac Eldorado. Some of them only had it on the passenger door panel.

This is my favourite “ modern day” Bentley , since the Shadow based Corniche , certainly a better looking car than the later VW owned creations that followed. I particularly like the rear end treatment , not too far away from some older Pininfarina designs from yesteryear. Absolutely fantastic car, like to wood treatment inside too, some seemed to have an aluminium type finish, prefer the wood. I’ve heard head gaskets cause problems ( perhaps someone could verify.?) . Either way , I’d love one ❤

I want to put a compliment,don’t get me wrong. The vibe of the video is like it was filmed ten years ago, and I adore it. I’m serious. I fell in love with your style. When everybody tries to be dope and cool, your video is classy. Your content is fabulous, keep up the awesome job. Please. 🤩🤩🤩

The Bristol of Bentleys. Loved them.

Given that Bentley kept the Crewe site, its Bentley that is the true continuation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,. The Rolls-Royce today is just a badge. Not that their bad cars or not incredibly luxurious, it's just at that money and in that market, people do consider lineage etc. Edit: I was convinced that I had already subscribed !! Done now.

Wonderful...you introduced me to Bentley, which I had always ignored. The interior is amazing.

A PROPER Bentley!

As a Dutchman I have to say you Brits made cars and every once in a while you just nailed it ..... This Bentley was that once in a while . It's shape , interior .........beyond beautiful . No German , Italian or whoever does this better than you ! It fully justifies its high price in my view , as does a Renoir or Vermeer being a work of art .

Having owned an Arnage , Turbo RT, Brooklands Mulliner R, Continental R and a Continental GT, I would say without doubt the Continental R was head and shoulders above both the Arnage and Continental GT . The Mulliner R and Turbo RT again where in a different league. The Arnage feels cheap compared the quality is just not there, electrics are awful and in my opinion this was BMW's influence on the car. The Continental GT is not a Bentley its a VW , poor build quality, poor electrics and some seriously bad engineering issues, vac pipes that break, its an engine out job, starter motor issues its an engine out job and even some coolant pipes engine out job ! Water ingress due to poorly located drain holes which usually lead to more electrical issues. The trade don't like them and depreciation is horrendous, oh and don't forget the image issues. Give me the Continental R, Turbo RT cars any day.

Thank you for superb video. I have a little comment, a Torque Converter dont lock. If there is a lock, its only there for savning fuel when cruising.

Desperate to take a Hoover to the passenger footwell, mate! 🧐 Always been a fan - & this must be a bargain compared with modern mass-produced models, and it is so distinctive. Thanks for your channel, Jack.

I've been a fan of 90s Bentleys since I was a kid. Whereas Rolls-Royce of this era were lumbering, underpowered luxury barges, these Continentals were a treat to drive and to be driven in. The post-merger Bentleys simply don't have the heritage and style that these vehicles did.

Loved it since 1993 - and I've seen them for sale as low as £30K - think they are climbing now though. Great video again

I must agree with you, it is a most elegant and beautiful vehicle, mostly due to its understatement.

You're absolutely right: these cars in seen real life have a surprising amount of presence and elegance.

You should drive the new Continental GT W12 once. It's a fantastic car... It's my daily driver. My Bentley Turbo R years ago had so many problems and issues after 50.000 miles....

Great presentation Jack. I enjoy your videos always. I like to mention that the second door openers from inside were present in older Cournich models.

It's a tough job Jack, but someone has to do it 😁 Love your content, thanks so much.

Nice one Jack...... Am a big fan of Bentleys and have owned a couple, I’m thinking about another and one of these would be top of my list unfortunately I’ve got a lemonade pocket 😮

Thanks Jack, interior is great, but why are seats so small?! Thanks for review into true luxury motoring! 🙏🙏

Nice video. Awesome car. This a right proper wafter to take on nice cruise.

Phantastisch Review! Thank you for it! Regarding the breaks: as a long term owner (see my own video in RU-vid by CineCars), I don’t find the break system bad either, but in Swiss mountains, it lacks a low gear with engine braking! The second gear doesn’t brake the car at all on a steep mountain pass, and THATS the problem with the 4 speed automatic gear! - Otherwise, it is a fabulous car indeed

Hi Jack, great video of a sublime car. My 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado had the extra door handle for the passengers in the rear seat…👍🏼

True gentlemen’s express. Even today

when you are slagging off the dynamics, are you taking the age of the vehicle into consideration? after 29yrs, my missus's rear is a bit soggy + out of shape, but used to be damned fine... i've just watched another video this week, featuring twin door handles, too old to remember i'm afraid,+ oh, my '75 rangerover of course... keep up the good work young man

Great review. Love those R's. Amazing value.

What an absolutely lovely beautiful car. Might have to go on eBay and see if I can find a cheap one, 🤦‍♀️ I still think my brand loyalty would go with Bentley when you consider the modern day Bentley is really original Rolls-Royce in all but name they got the entire business factories and all just not the name so the Heritage the engineering the lot these cars as well as being an engineering marvel they are a work of art

Way back in the mid 1990’s, I was living in my first 2 bed flat in south London… bought for £60,000, a few years before, but was in 1996, worth about £55,000… I remember seeing a Range Rover autobiography brand new, at £55,000, and couldn’t believe it was as expensive as a flat…. Then I found out whilst reading some car magazines, the price of these Bentleys… when I saw one, I knew I was looking at a true pinnacle car… for someone to buy a car, that cost more than a house… and I mean, a big house… you could buy a 4 bed detached house in Croydon for £130,000… I know because I have old newspaper wrapped car parts still in my garage, that show these prices! -I though that as all cars come down in value, I would one day drive a Range Rover…. Which I did, and still do.. when I see old Range Rover p38’s, worth a few hundred pounds, I realise, every one of those, was a ‘two bed flat’…. Which today are £300,000…. The range rovers are worth very little, but the exclusivity, of the Bentley, meant low numbers, and hence prices have stood the test of time. Fantastic cars, but only for the seriously rich.

Thank you for recording this wonderful experience 😄

Great video Jack, these are really lovely cars. This one has the same wheels as my Turbo R as well. I think you're suffering slight memory loss though, the split level climate control was also in the Turbo R you drove a while ago! I am a bit biased as a Turbo R owner and would say that was more significant than the Continental R in revitalising the Bentley brand though this Continental R certainly would have helped in that effort. They've held their price a lot better than the Turbo R anyway, though I can't complain about that, without the depreciation I wouldn't have been able to buy mine. I'm surprised the torque converter doesn't lock, I'd expect it to be the same as the one in the Turbo R from the time which locks at 50 mph. You're absolutely right about seeing them in the flesh, I recently saw one for the first time at the garage that does my servicing and they really are very eye catching. Not necessarily pretty, but very elegant. Keep up the good work!

If I remember correctly, the 3 door Range-Rover classic had double door handles for rear passengers

Any more work on the influenzo?

Why doesn't this channel have more subscribers... Brilliant content 👌

The dual level temperature system was originally developed for for the RR Carmague - I understand development costs were huge as it was a challenge to get right.

Another great review, these cars are so well made and perform beautifully, quite scarce now but just take a look at this one Jack is driving, virtually nothing to touch the overall impression of a fabulous looking car and to my mind knocks the newer designs into a cocked hat.

Hi Jack, why are you always shouting in your videos? The microphone can perfectly pick up your voice. No need to speak with a raised voice.

I think the "land yacht" luxo barge American coupes of the mid-70s had separate door handles for the rear passenger to open the door. the '76 Eldorado and Toronado come to mind. This model and the 1963 Conti S3 are truly gorgeous cars.

The modern Bentleys made by Volkswagen just don't have the same effect, plus depreciation is shocking, and knobheads get hold of them cheap.

Great video! FYI For two inner door handles, see the Datsun 260z 2+2, although I will admit that the handles are not identical.

Another brilliant video mate, thank you 🙂 Do you live in the same area as Harry Metcalfe? Some of the roads look the same.

Awesome work and an awesome car my 65 riviera has double door handles also

Look forward to this one Jack!

The two door Range Rover had front and back door handles on the main doors!!!! Same as the Bentley you have just reviewed !!!!! Interesting video!!!! Regards Ian 👨‍🎤🇳🇿

Love your passion and your education is amazing ! The 2023 GT go for up to 400,000. Due to the changes in pricing everything separately .

Blistered guards. Gotta love the blistered guards. They add just the right touch of muscle to the R

Lucky enough to own one a 1993 early one. Less power to weight than the 95 Turb R it replaced. Loved the catalogue strap line. "Two cars for the price of Three"

As an owner of a 98 Continental R I can agree with most of the observations raised here. Mine is a 385hp version with the later Zytek management system. Like any car it has a few common issues but they soon fade away once you shut the door and start that wonderful V8. Power comes on strong and is oh so linear... ask for a bit more speed and the Turbo howls into life and you are gone. The ride is very flat and a little jiggly over poor roads but it's the beauty of the thing that wins you over. Over the last 4k miles we have averaged 19mpg and got it up to 23mpg on some runs which compared to our BMW convertible's average of 26mpg doesn't seem so bad. Ours is fitted with the bigger 18" rims so tyres can be bought off the shelf from any tyre company, unlike earlier Continentals where tyre choice is extremely limited and very expensive. I feel proud to own such a piece of exclusive motoring history which if you hunt around can be purchased for less than a good Capri or perhaps an early Escort RS. Different cars they most certainly are. Back in the day we used to say "Tin & Board makes a Ford" but with the Bentley it doesn't take long to realise that the Bentley was made by people with real skills.

There was a widebody "R" version of these parked outside the entrance of "The Pride Of Longbridge" event earlier this year. I found that quite amusing, someone drove there continental there and didn't even use the in show parking for non BL products

That reg plate is worth a fair bit.

I stopped preparing my Thanksgiving dinner to watch this Jack. I feel sooooooo sorry for you. Having to drive all of those cool cars! Many that we do not get over here. Happy Thanksgiving!

The interior styling is what I call "Ye Olde English Gentleman's Club", all soft leather and walnut panels and soft lighting and quiet.

Thanks for another great video. The looks are and always have been very fluent, it has the looks of an Italian design house, for me its more of a Camargue replacement than Corniche or T2 Conti. The Arnage was another great looking car, they all were before going a bit Chinese market.

I’m subscribing. I can’t deal anymore with all these great videos.

Remember going London with my mate and his mum ,seen the just out Bentley mulsanne Turbo HUGE black beast ,some posh central London Post 📫 code, huge TYRES back then very early 80s

Well, as far as opening the door from the rear seat is concerned, my 1982 V8 Range Rover 2-door ALSO has double door handles. So yes there is at least one other car where the rear passengers can open the doors. 😁

The transmission in this car is a GM TurboHydramatic 4L80-E. This was initially a truck transmission, given it's ability to withstand 440 ft lb of torque. It is electronically shifted by the car's powertrain computer system. The transmission cannot shift by itself. Lockup torque converters are available for it, but the writeup I saw did not specify if it was originally equipped with one. They did say that RR/Bentley did some tweaking on it for their own applications. It is evolved from the TurboHydramatic 400 from 1963. (I own one of those, in my 64 Cadillac). The TH400 series transmissions are tough as nails, and are regularly used in racing, here in the US.

Cool vid 😎

This was probably the high point for Bentley, the Arnage and (especiallY) the VW cars were a step down. The Continental T and the rare SC are especially striking. These are now attainable, although the running costs mean that they're not for everyone. The Continental-based Azure convertable of this era is especially covetable, and is much nicer than the Arnage-based Azure that replaced it.

Enjoyed the vid thanks, it may interest you to know that the early 2 door Range Rovers had that feature of two internal door handles for the rear passengers to reach.

The Bentley Continental R is a truly Beautiful car. I think though you would have to be very rich or a nut job to buy one at the time. I have said before that I think the newer ones are footballers cars and just don't have the charm and yes opulence is very much lacking. I agree it perhaps has the edge over the Amage R but they both have their own charm and looks. Thanks Jack, have to say your videos are always well put together and thoughtful. 👍👍

Range Rover Classic 2 door from 1970 has 2 door handles for rear passenger access. This Continental is gorgeous.

Hello there Jack. Do you use the same roads for testing as Harry Metcalfe? They look familiar.

Bought one last year. Love it!

Nice use of Harry Metcalfe’s test route 😀👍🏻

I think this car is powered by harrumphs! What a classic vehicle I can see driving down the driveway of a stunning country estate

Beautiful car! I remember reading about the project 90.

The Cadillac Eldorado had double interior door handles from 1967 to 1978.

It was the last proper Bentley for Proper People. The VW era stuff is fine of course but it's just not the same.

The Range Rover classic had two handles in the doors as well, starting in 1970.

As an American viewer I'm always worried you're going to have a head on collision when I see you driving down the road.

Great content Jack !

That’s a lovely thing. I do like Bentleys from this era - the Azure in particular.

Other car that had a rear passenger door opening handle was the Oldsmobile Toronado. BTW the handles were the same used on th Chevrolet Impala.

The Toyota corolla SR5 of the early eighties also had two door handles, one for the rear passenger

Ref. the twin interior door handles. The original Range Rover had the same.

In between the Continental R and Continental T, there was in fact a Continental S. IIRC, of the 37 examples built, 17 were RHD and 20 ware LHD. From Wikipedia: "The Continental S was a limited-edition performance model introduced in 1994 and 1995 with a liquid cooled chargecooler added. Only thirty seven were produced and offered to established Bentley customers. The late Alan Clark MP was one such owner. This engine had an estimated output of 385 hp (287 kW; 390 PS), and 0-97 km/h acceleration time improved to 6.1 seconds." The torque is phenomenal and, with no traction control, quite a handful!

Brooklands.

Beautiful🍀

So classy.

@5:15 I think the old 2 door Range Rover also had two door handles

Tanya batteries reminds me of oldschool RC Cars for some reason ? That Bentley is a mobile Buckingham place

I first one of these beautiful things when I was passing Jack Barclay's back in '92. It was certainly a fine place to sit but a liilte out of my price range as I was looking at a Dino, which for a good car could still be had for under 50k, a quarter of the price of that Bentley in the showroom. Now it's flipped and you can get a great Continental R for a quarter the price of a 246.

What a car. Great post.

That number plate is fabulous and probably worth more than the car.

A Continental T would be in my dream garage.

I have lusted after this car since it was introduced. It is certainly among the Top 5 Most Beautiful Coupes ever designed. I never understood why they shortened the T version. It's not like that made any difference in handling. It only made the ride worse and eliminated the use of the back seats.

I watched two of these being loaded onto a 747 freighter which was heading to Hong Kong, they were for a husband and wife, and the husband paid extra to jump the queue, to get them shipped early, the extra cost was per kilo an eye watering amount of money.