Introduced in 1992, the Bentley Continental IV received a number of upgrades over previous iterations of the nameplate by including ABS, driver and passenger airbags, a four-speed automatic transmission, changes to the dashboard, and from 1994, heated rear glass. Beyond the Bentley badging found throughout, Continentals are easily distinguished from their flying lady-adorned relatives by the front grille, “flying B” hood ornament, and wheels (although a small number of Rolls-Royce Corniches were delivered wearing similar style rims).

Only 73 Bentley Continentals were built between 1992 and 1995—less than half of the 194 Rolls-Royce Corniches built during the same period. Just seven of these cars were produced in 1994, with this example being, according to Bentley correspondence on file, the only one painted black. As stated on the window sticker, “the finest leather upholstery” finished in grey with black piping appoints the interior and is accompanied by walnut veneer with boxwood inlays. Instead of the usual Everflex convertible top, this Continental was ordered with a sportier black cloth top. The Bentley further features remote locking doors, dual-level air conditioning, power memory front seats, and is powered by a hand assembled 6.75-liter pushrod V-8 engine.

This Continental IV Convertible has enjoyed a well-cared-for life, with a number of invoices are on file detailing maintenance performed by Bentley Beverly Hills of Los Angeles, California from 2005 through 2021. In January of 2021, service included fixing a faulty convertible top switch, installing new front brake pads, and replacing the rear gas springs. In addition, a regular service, including oil and filter change, were completed in December 2021.

As a result of a well-known and common problem for these cars, the odometer ceased to function months after delivery with 1,966 miles logged. On 15 February 1995, the broken odometer was replaced with a new unit and a label documenting this was placed in the driver’s doorsill next to the VIN. This is additionally documented on the service invoices from Bentley Beverly Hills with a note reading, “Add 1,966 miles to reading.” Today, 13,134 is shown on the dashboard at the time of cataloging and the total mileage of 15,100, according to the Bentley service invoices, is the sum of the current reading plus the 1,966 miles from the first odometer.

A monumentally expensive car in its day, the Bentley Continental IV was the final iteration of a body style which dated back to the 1960s. A classic in every regard, this convertible is the very embodiment of hand-crafted English luxury.