For some enthusiasts, the 400 bhp and 500 lb/ft of torque developed by the Bentley’s elegant Continental R coupe were not enough. To help them, the company thoughtfully provided the 550 bhp Continental T, launched by marque in 1996. This wonderful 2+2 coupe was slightly shorter than the ‘R’ and featured a highly flamboyant interior. This was intended to be a throwback to the impressive racing Bentleys of the 1920s, echoing the glorious history of the marque during that period. The dashboard was finished in tuned alloy in place of the usual walnut. The interior also featured drilled pedals in a laughable attempt to save weight in this 2.5 ton (254 kg) monster. You could spot one by its flared arches, five spoke alloys and mesh grille. Bentleys claimed 170 mph (270 km/h) and 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds, thanks to a V8 engine, still basically the same all alloy units introduced in 1958 that probably had the highest torque figure of anything on the public road: 650 lb/ft at just 2200 rpm. It has a powerful engine of V8, 6750cc, with a power of 550 bhp, fully independent suspension which includes disc brakes.
For something of its size, the stiffened Continental T handled well and had enormous grip, thanks to traction control and massive tyres. The down side was a slight loss of refinements compared with the standard car, and regrettably the ride was both fidgety and noisy. In 1997, the price of such opulence was almost a quarter of a million pounds.
