1998-2000 Bentley Continental

The 1998-2000 Bentley Continental was the ultimate expression of high luxury and brute performance from this British marque owned by VW. Appearing at once squarish and racy, the Continental offered all the handcrafted touches a buyer with $300,000 expected (and probably deserved), plus the thrill of acceleration provided by a torquey, 6.75-liter V-8.

 
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This 1998 Bentley Continental T coupe was part of the 1998-2000 Bentley Continental series.
1998 Bentley Continental T coupe.
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A flared and air-dammed SC variant (co-styled by Pininfarina) that arrived in mid-1998 had AiResearch turbocharged V-8, good for 0-60 times in the mid-sixes -- impressive for a yacht that weighed about 5,400 pounds.

Pluses of the 1998-2000 Bentley Continental:

  • Exclusivity
  • Enormous power and torque
  • Top-flight cabin materials
  • Sheer presence

Minuses of the 1998-2000 Bentley Continental:

  • Price
  • Thirst
  • Weight
  • Tendency to understeer

Specifications of the 1998-2000 Bentley Continental:
Wheelbase, inches: 116.5-120.5
Length, inches: 206.3-210.3
Weight, pounds: 4,500-5,400
Estimated price, new: $303,000-$330,000

Engines for the 1998-2000 Bentley Continental:

Type Size Horsepower Years
ohv V-8* 412 cid 385-420 1998-2000
*Turbocharged

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