This 1989 Bentley Continental Convertible is a stunning survivor. Its condition is unsurprising, having recently emerged from a private collection with a genuine 40,000 miles showing on its odometer. Its appearance has generated significant interest, with the Continental receiving eighteen bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Brooklyn, New York. This action has pushed the price to $45,400, which is below the reserve.
Bentley revived the Continental badge in 1984 after it had lain dormant since 1965. The range expanded and evolved over the following years before being replaced entirely in 2003. This 1989 example is an elegant Convertible finished in Primrose. Its presentation is seemingly flawless, with the paint retaining the mirror shine that is a hallmark of the Bentley marque. The panels are laser-straight, with the gaps as tight and consistent as you would rightly expect from a hand-built vehicle. There is no evidence of rust, and the matching soft-top fits as tight as a drum. Rounding out the exterior are spotless trim, crystal clear glass, and seemingly perfect 15″ alloy wheels.
This photo provides a key insight into why Bentley cars command high sticker prices. The focus here is on the dash timber. If you scrutinize it, you will notice that the grain pattern is almost perfectly symmetrical from the center. This isn’t some form of computer-generated trick, but the result of a process called “bookleafing.” A timber specialist uses alternating veneer pieces from the same tree, rotating every second one through 180°, and trimming each piece by hand with a scalpel for a uniform fit. Obviously, there will be variances, but the specialist achieves as close to perfection as Mother Nature will allow. Once the veneers are attached to the base structure, they are dispatched to another specialist for coating in a baked urethane finish. The timber specialist then hand-polishes each component to achieve a mirror shine. From start to finish, it took over a week to manufacture the timber interior trim for each Continental.
The Continental’s timber isn’t the only interior aspect demonstrating an eye for detail. The leather trim is hand-stitched from hides sourced in areas with fewer mosquito bites, thereby avoiding marks and defects. During this period, Bentley also selected only hides from bulls, because those from cows can develop stretch marks when the cow is in calf. This interior is generally in good condition for its age, with the Parchment leather sporting typical age creases. The seller states there are no splits or other issues, which is good given the cost of repairs. The stereo is freshly rebuilt, and this Continental also features air conditioning, power assistance for almost everything, cruise control, and matching factory floor mats.
Tilting the Continental’s hood forward reveals the Rolls-Royce 6.75-liter V8. Bentley was coy when the subject turned to engine power during this era, with various reputable sources quoting figures of between 205hp and 220hp. A three-speed automatic transmission was standard fare, as were power-assisted steering and brakes. With the Continental Convertible tipping the scales at over 5,300 lbs, its performance could best be described as adequate. It won’t provide neck-snapping acceleration, but it will be equally at home on the freeway or prowling beachfront boulevards. The seller states the vehicle has been properly maintained and is in excellent mechanical condition. It runs and drives extremely well, with no known issues or vices.
The interest generated by this 1989 Bentley Continental Convertible is unsurprising. After all, with a new Continental Convertible starting at over $330,000, this car could be an affordable alternative…relatively speaking. I will sound one note of caution: the values of these classics aren’t rising in the current market. Therefore, their potential as a long-term investment is questionable. However, if a luxurious British drop-top that could serve as a family heirloom is what you seek, this Continental could fulfill that role admirably.
Etiquette tip; always say “please” when asking for the Grey Poupon..
Expect to spend $15K or more per year to maintain a car like this. Parts are unbelievably expensive. If that sounds crazy, this car would cost $400K new today. Repair rates and new part prices don’t depreciate, they rise. So $15K only represents 3.75% of the car price in today’s dollars. That’s why so many older Bentleys and Rolls end up old and abused.
There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Rolls-Royce or Bentley. So the solution is to buy an expensive one. Honestly. You look to buy one that has been well-maintained and has good records so you can confirm that every time the car needed service, it received service. The seller will want a lot of money for that, and that’s fair. If you pay up front, you do not have $15,000 annual repair bills. The annual repair cost will be similar to a Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 series.
Every car has an Achilles heel. For Rolls-Royce and Bentley, that is the breaking/suspension system. You need to completely flush the system every two or three years, which is a $500 job because of how expensive the fluid is, and every 8 to 10 years you have to completely replace the breaking/suspension system, all the hoses and couplings and “accumulators“ which are nitrogen charged spheres that provide the load leveling. The cost of that depends on where you live. Personally, for my 1980 Silver Shadow II, I’m expecting to pay $10,000 for that service in 2032. I’m saving up for it.
Note this car has a later LHM (mineral oil) braking system as found on the SZ series. While it is somewhat similar to earlier SY Shadow series cars, maintenance is different.
The LHM fluid is not hydroscopic, so there is typically (alot) less contamination vs the RR363 fluid in the Shadows. LHM fluid lasts at least 3 times longer between fluid flush/changes. LHM is also around 1/2 price of RR363 (depending on brand). These cars still should have a brake & suspension overhaul at around the 10 year mark, including replacing accumulators etc. You are right about the price, although it is much less if you can do it yourself, and shop around for parts.
For me the big worry with the coupes and convertibles is the door pillars. The body is aluminum, and the big doors act as a lever on the hinges & pillar, leading to metal fatigue/cracking. Very expen$ive and difficult to fix.
Absolutely stunning. Those seats look so inviting. I’m a little surprised at the horsepower rating though. There must be some serious torque out of that engine to get that beast moving. Definitely not like the newer Bentley turbo R I’m thinking they’re called. Sub Six seconds to sixty mph if I remember correctly.
When I squint, I see the body lines of the Continental Mark II.
People give you different numbers for hp and torque. By this year hp is estimated between 205 and 220, and torque is 398lb/ft. I own a 1980 RR so the numbers then was 189hp and 368lb/ft. The thing is that the torque arrives at low rpm (sort of like a truck engine), so it pulls just fine. You can’t race in it, but you never feel like it’s keep you back. One proceeds with adequate dispatch.
It is unfortunate that it doesn’t have the gold package otherwise it would fit perfectly with the current clientele of the White House . . . may still have some use after being converted into a salad bar for the new ballroom.
As the man says, if ya worry about upkeep cost, then you’re way out of your league….lol
Too bad gov’t. regs. necessitated these ugly bumpers. And, as mentioned before, who signed off on these steering wheels?
This car would never be on my radar, but once it is! I can fantasize about what a neat car, it would be for very special occasions. If you just like cars because you do, why wouldn’t you like this one.
Those taillights are another example of R-R persnicketyness. They look like MkI Ford Cortina wagon units, but they’re not. Any other British manufacturer doing the volume they planned of 2 door models would’ve at most placed a bulk order with Lucas for the same parts Ford used if not bought them from a dealer parts counter, but RR had special molds made for their very similar but not interchangeable ones.
Ended at $50,100.
Reserve Not Met
22 bids.
Then, relisted at 72K or Best Offer.
Stil thinking it will end up as a salad bar at the new White House ballroom – would fit right in after receiving the gold package.