Highlights
- Impressive build quality throughout
- Stately and dignified
The Appeal
Bentley’s hand-built 6.75-litre V8-powered sporting saloons of the Nineties remain amongst the company’s finest creations, renowned for their power, smoothness, chiseled good looks and monumental build quality.
It’s no surprise that many have been chosen as state and government cars, and that some have been converted into full, multi-seat limousines, as here.
The car offers everything the original saloon epitomized; power, comfort, quality and a stateliness beyond anything else on the road, plus roomy seating for up to seven, plus the driver.
Starting with the best is always the right choice.
It’s no surprise that many have been chosen as state and government cars, and that some have been converted into full, multi-seat limousines, as here.
The car offers everything the original saloon epitomized; power, comfort, quality and a stateliness beyond anything else on the road, plus roomy seating for up to seven, plus the driver.
Starting with the best is always the right choice.
The History and Paperwork
- Fully stamped service book from private ownership
- Coachbuilder’s numbered build plate in engine bay
The Bentley retains its original service book, which shows meticulous servicing for the whole of its life as a private car.
A plaque at the front of the engine bay states that it was converted to a limousine in 2006 by long established coachbuilders Coway’s of Westhoughton in Lancashire.
A plaque at the front of the engine bay states that it was converted to a limousine in 2006 by long established coachbuilders Coway’s of Westhoughton in Lancashire.
As with many such cars, the maintenance record while in service with funeral/limousine companies has not stayed with the car. Often, their service record and invoices remain on the company computer.
The V5 shows the vehicle type as a limousine. This is important as some conversions did not pass a SVA test after the 6 door alterations. This should give peace of mind to any prospective buyer.
The V5 shows the vehicle type as a limousine. This is important as some conversions did not pass a SVA test after the 6 door alterations. This should give peace of mind to any prospective buyer.
The Interior
- Full, perfectly matched leather trim throughout the car
- Attractive walnut burr fascia and door cappings
- Two full rows of mid and rear seats
Probably the greatest compliment to the coachbuilders’ work is that you can’t tell where Bentley’s work ends and Coway’s begins. Colours, wood grain and execution are consistent and of the highest quality throughout.
The grey leather interior presents very well. The hides are in very good shape, with only the odd light mark and the gentlest of creasing to the seat cushions. Bolsters and cushions remain firm and supportive, while the dark blue piping defines their edges well.
The nicely-figured walnut burr is a great feature of the car, and, as mentioned, newer inserts match the originals in style, colour and finish. All the woodwork retains a rich, warm tone and its lacquer boasts a deep gloss. There are a few tiny chips around door tops, but nothing to spoil the overall effect.
The leather-covered steering wheel shows very gentle wear, as does the gear selector, but both remain smart. All dashboard and centre console switches are present and correct, while chromed and polished fittings (air vents) retain a deep shine.
All the big door panels are in excellent shape, with all door furniture present and correct. The silver inset pieces in the centre console show a few scuffs, but the gear selector and the steering wheel remain in great shape and very presentable.
All the big door panels are in excellent shape, with all door furniture present and correct. The silver inset pieces in the centre console show a few scuffs, but the gear selector and the steering wheel remain in great shape and very presentable.
The leather and ‘rhinoceros hide’ plastics around the dash, door tops and transmission tunnel are clean, as are those areas on the door inserts, with only a few light scuffs to well-handled areas. The heavy door handle assemblies are strong and firmly mounted. Levers and window control buttons here remain tidy.
The automatic seat belt mechanism (handing it to the driver) works smoothly on both sides.
The automatic seat belt mechanism (handing it to the driver) works smoothly on both sides.
Down below, the (rubber) mats and carpets are in excellent condition; clean and with no shoe heel damage or frayed edges. Door seals are good, as are those around the windscreen.
The Exterior
- Paintwork retains an excellent gloss
- Flanks are straight and all doors line up
The Bentley’ bodywork is in good shape, with panel fit remaining very good all around the car.
All six doors line up very well, and each opens without sagging or creaking. Shut lines are narrow and folds in the metal run smoothly panel to panel. The flanks are smooth.
All six doors line up very well, and each opens without sagging or creaking. Shut lines are narrow and folds in the metal run smoothly panel to panel. The flanks are smooth.
The metallic silver grey paintwork is also in excellent condition, showing a good gloss all around the car. There are a couple of very tiny bubbles and very small untidy edges, but the overall impression remains very good.
The Nineties Bentley still retains a fair bit of chrome, all of which appears bright, with no signs of pitting or discolouration.
The drainage channels above the windows are clean. The glass in all screens is clear (no delamination anywhere) and the light lenses are clean.
The Flying B on the bonnet remains straight and untarnished, as do the strips around the light clusters.
The drainage channels above the windows are clean. The glass in all screens is clear (no delamination anywhere) and the light lenses are clean.
The Flying B on the bonnet remains straight and untarnished, as do the strips around the light clusters.
The Mechanics
- Solid and clean underneath
- Tidy engine bay
Although a little weathered, everything in the Bentley’s engine bay appears to be very much intact and in its proper place.
There are no signs of corrosion and the heavy suspension towers look very solid. Bolts, throttle linkages and the like are free of grime and there are no signs of leaks. Some ancillaries show a little oxidation, but nothing to remotely cause concern.
Hoses, ducting and their attendant junctions and seals are also good. All plastic components remain a healthy shade of black and show no signs of cracking. The under-bonnet insulation is largely good but does have a tear in it near to the front of the engine bay.
There are no signs of corrosion and the heavy suspension towers look very solid. Bolts, throttle linkages and the like are free of grime and there are no signs of leaks. Some ancillaries show a little oxidation, but nothing to remotely cause concern.
Hoses, ducting and their attendant junctions and seals are also good. All plastic components remain a healthy shade of black and show no signs of cracking. The under-bonnet insulation is largely good but does have a tear in it near to the front of the engine bay.
The boot area is tidy with clean, neat carpets and trays that pull out to reveal a full wheel changing kit and a set of owner‘s manuals. Neither area shows any signs of water ingress.
The undersides of the doors are clean and, again, the rubbers and seals are in excellent condition.
The underside of the car looks healthy, showing only relatively light weathering. Wheels are not corroded or scuffed (save for a small area on one) and the tyres have a lot of life left in them.
The underside of the car looks healthy, showing only relatively light weathering. Wheels are not corroded or scuffed (save for a small area on one) and the tyres have a lot of life left in them.
Summary
These days, many a mid to up-market saloon is press-ganged into service as a limousine, but only a few have the gravitas and presence to carry off the role – such is this Bentley.
Its big – make no mistake about it – but it has everything you would expect such a car to have; poise, power and comfort.
This one will rise to any occasion.
Its big – make no mistake about it – but it has everything you would expect such a car to have; poise, power and comfort.
This one will rise to any occasion.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.