1998 Bentley Continental

This listing offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable models from a pivotal era in Bentley's history: the 1998 Bentley Continental T. The Continental T, introduced in 1996, was a testament to Bentley's resurgence, bucking decades of tradition by wearing distinctive, non-Rolls-Royce shared bodywork.The Continental T is powered by the venerable L-Series 6.75-liter V-8, shared with the Continental R, but in a highly tuned state. Its performance potential is hinted at by tasteful fender flares and backed up by impressive factory-stated numbers: a 5.8-second zero-to-60 mph sprint and a 155 mph top speed. Even at its launch, the Continental T was extraordinary, with an original 1998 price tag of over $350,000, a significant premium over the Continental R. It is among the last of the truly hand-built Bentleys.Regional Special Edition (RSE) - An Exclusive BreedThe car presented here is an even more exclusive variant: one of only 14 North American Regional Special Edition (RSE) Continental Ts produced. The RSE option alone was a staggering $25,000 premium in 1998.This particular RSE example is finished in Crimson Pearl.Distinctive RSE features include:? 18-inch chrome-plated wheels? Stainless steel headlight surrounds? Seats featuring leather hides with perforated inserts and Alcantara bolsters? Chrome-plated instrumentation bezels? Color-keyed gear shift? Burr walnut trim with wrap-over waist railsThis highly optioned car was first sold through Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills and delivered new to the famed Hollywood actor Will Smith. He retained the car for nearly fifteen years, during which it accumulated extensive and consistent service records. Subsequent owners have been equally fastidious. The car currently shows 74,587 miles on the odometer, but presents beautifully due to the extraordinary care it has received.This example includes: a complete ownership history, a copy of the original title in Will Smith's name, a clean CarFax, books, service records, detailed factory build records, a discreetly updated audio system with a hidden JL Audio subwoofer, and front and rear cameras.