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The famous
Bentley make, erected by Mr. W.O. Bentley, existed as a independent firm
for only twelve years (1919-1931) before the proud firm was taken over
by the Rolls Royce motor company.
Those twelve exhilarating Bentley years were filled with racing
successes and many victories. The Bentley name as manufacturer of large,
heavy, powerful and rugged sportscars was imprinted in the human mind
since the "roaring" twenties of the twentieth century.
Bentley motorcars won the famous 24 hours of Le Mans race in the years
1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. The years they did not win the race
they finished second or third.
Not only successes at Le Mans were counted but also many victories in
the Brooklands 500 mile race.
Races were won with the 4.5 Litre "blower" but most successes
were captured by the Speed Six model.
At the 1984
Geneva motor show Bentley exhibited the Project 90 concept car. The car
was received very well by the public and further development was due.
Thus resulting in the Bentley Continental R which was introduced in
1991. The Continental R was the most expensive Bentley money could buy.
Remarkable is the fact that the continental R was the first Bentley in
decades with a unique bodywork as post war most Bentleys were fully
based on Rolls Royce cars. The classy coupe lines were drawn by John
Heffernan and Ken Greenley and were a modern compliment to the 1950'ies
Continental R which was the most powerful Bentley of it's day and the
fastest roadcar in the world.
The Continental R was powered by a turbo charged Bentley 6.75 Litre V8
engine. Via a GM 4L80-E four speed automatic gearbox a massive 650 Nm of
torque was directed to the large 18 inch rear wheels fitted with 255/60
performance rubber. The continental R was the fastest and most powerful
Bentley of it's day and yes, also the most expensive. In the year 1995 a
Continental based convertible was introduced: the Bentley Azure.
1236 Bentley Continental R cars
have been built.
Technical
data
Engine: V8
engine with
petrol injection
1 Garrett AiResearch TO4 turbo
Cylinder capacity: 6761 cc.
Capacity: 389 bhp. at 4500 rpm.
Torque: 750 Nm. at 2250 rpm.
Top-speed: 233 km/h.
0-100 km/h: 7 sec.
Gearbox: 4-speed, automatic
Brakes: Vented disc brakes all round, ABS.
Weight: 2444 kg.
Information
Bentley Continental R,
year 1994. Colour British Racing Green with
a green leather interior and green wool carpet.
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