2001 Bentley

The Bentley Continental R "Le Mans Series" was designed and sold in order to celebrate Bentley's return to Le Mans racing after a prolonged 71-year absence, having not been involved in the event since 1930. Introduced for the 2001 and 2002 model years, the Le Mans Series was based upon the already formidable Continental R Mulliner and limited to just 46 examples worldwide, making it one of the rarest and most significant modern-era Bentleys. The timing was especially poignant, as Bentley's EXP Speed 8 returned to the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2001, finishing an impressive third overall before going on to claim an historic overall victory in 2003. To commemorate this return to the world's greatest endurance race, the Continental R Le Mans received a host of bespoke enhancements, including the 420 bhp 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 from the Continental T, wider wheel arches, 18-inch five-spoke alloys, red brake calipers, quad exhaust outlets and a distinctive sports bumper package. Inside, the Le Mans theme continued with dark green instruments, drilled pedals, a push-button starter, sports seats, unique treadplates, Le Mans Series badging and beautifully detailed walnut trim.

This particular example is especially desirable, being finished in the quintessential Le Mans Racing Green and showing just 12,000 miles from new. Its exceptionally low mileage, outstanding condition and highly appropriate specification place it among the most coveted surviving examples of a model for which very few cars were ever built in the first place. With only 46 Continental R Le Mans Series cars produced worldwide, every example is inherently rare, but finding one that combines such minimal use with exceptional preservation makes this Bentley a particularly special proposition.