• Restored and converted from fixed-head to drophead coupé configuration in 1987 • Professionally restored again in 2000-2002 • R-REC 'Most Elegant Car in Show' concours award-winner in 2002 • Overdrive fitted Described by The Autocar as, "A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley," the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952.

With the arrival of the final generation of six-cylinder cars, the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity.

Eulogising about Bentley's new 'S' series cars, introduced in April 1955, The Autocar wrote, "the latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is beyond the experience and perhaps even the imagination of the majority of the world's motorists".

Later, in October that same year, the Bentley Continental became avail...