1998 Bentley Continental

The 1998 Bentley Continental R California Edition wide-body is an extremely rare, limited production luxury coupe, with only six examples ever produced. It was coachbuilt by Mulliner Park Ward and featured a unique wide-body design and enhanced performance.
Key Features
Rarity: Only six of these wide-body coupes were made in 1998. This low production run makes it one of the most exclusive Bentley models.
Design: All California Editions featured a full wide-body design with flared wheel arches, revised bumper covers and side skirts, and body-color grille surrounds, giving the car a more aggressive and muscular stance compared to the standard Continental R.
Engine & Performance: One specific example (#6 of 6) was fitted with the more powerful Continental T engine, producing 420 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, which included a push-button start and larger dual-caliper brakes. Other examples typically had a 6.75-liter V8 factory rated at 385 horsepower.
Interior: Each car featured a unique two-tone leather interior, serialized tread plate plaques, and additional wood veneer accents.
Original MSRP: When new, the price tag for this exclusive model was around $415,000 USD.
The "California Edition" name was also used for a separate, similarly limited run of 10 Bentley Azure convertibles in the same year, which also featured wide-body elements and specific interior upgrades.
For current market information and sales history, resources like CLASSIC.COM can provide details on past auctions and price ranges.
Learn about the limited production numbers, specific engine options, and original MSRP of the 1998 Bentley Continental R California Edition:
The 1998 Bentley Continental R California Edition was a rare, coachbuilt Bentley by Mulliner Park Ward, featuring a distinctive wide-body with flared arches like the Continental T, special badging, upgraded 18-inch wheels, and enhanced leather/wood interior for the US market, making it a muscular, highly exclusive version of the powerful 6.7L V8 grand tourer.
Key Characteristics:
Exclusivity: Only about 6 were built in 1998.
Wide Body: Flared wheel arches inspired by the Continental T for a more aggressive stance.
Performance: Equipped with the potent 6.75L turbocharged V8, often with power increased to around 420 bhp for these editions, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior Upgrades: Included chrome headlight rings, polished grille, unique badging, and 18-inch wheels with wider tires (285/45).
Interior Touches: Two-tone leather, special wood accents (like burled walnut or gray bird's eye maple), unique tread plates, and a turbo boost gauge.
Why "California Edition"?
This designation from the US dealer highlighted a desire for a more "muscular" and less restrained Bentley, incorporating the aggressive styling cues from the ultra-performance Continental T into the elegant Continental R chassis, a hit with American buyers seeking presence.
In essence, it's a rare, wide-bodied, performance-enhanced Continental R, custom-built by Mulliner for discerning US clients, making it highly collectible.
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