Bentley is a brand that has changed hands more than a few times before finally settling comfortably under the VW Group umbrella.

First acquired by Rolls-Royce and later rescued by Vickers, yes, the same Vickers responsible for building aeroplanes, Bentley ultimately came under VW s control in 1998, where it has remained ever since, benefiting from a healthy dose of German engineering know-how.But many would argue that the last true Bentleys to leave Crewe were the final assortment of hand-built cars that were developed during the Vickers era.

The Continental R, originally launched in the early nineties and remaining in production until 2003, is one of them.The Continental Mulliner R was built as a fond farewell to an icon, combining the increased power of the sportier Continental T with the prestige of the full long-wheelbase R.

Finished in Sapphire Black over a Cotswold and Nautic Blue interior, this example was delivered new to its first owner in early 2003.Externally, the car is ...