420 bhp, 6,800 cc turbocharged overhead valve fuel-injected V-8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension via upper and lower wishbones and coil springs, self-levelling independent rear suspension via McPherson struts, and four-wheel power-assisted ABS disc brakes. Wheelbase: 120.5 in.

• The quintessential businessman’s express

• Elegant black on black combination

• 650 foot-pounds at 2,200 rpm

• Offered from the Zegwaard Collection

In the early- and mid-1950s, Bentley used the Continental name on a series of sporting coupés built, first on the R-Type and then on the S-Type chassis. These beautiful new coupés offered superior performance and handling without making any compromise on luxury. The essential formula hadn’t changed when the short-wheelbase Bentley Continental T was introduced in 1999. Here was a big, beautiful, and well-appointed coupé that would carry four people and luggage in comfort and at speeds best left unmentioned. Although this is a large car, weighing in at 5,400 pounds, it is extremely rapid, thanks to the 420 horsepower generated by its turbocharged 6.8-litre engine. But what really moves this car with alacrity is the stupendous 650 foot-pounds of torque, which comes in at a low 2,200 rpm. Thanks to careful electronic suspension tuning and powerful disc brakes with ABS, the Continental T is also very rapid to turn, and it stops as well as it goes.

Finished in traditional black with a sumptuous black leather interior contrasted by an engine-turned aluminium dashboard, this European-delivered 2000 Bentley Continental T has covered just 61,000 kilometres from new and is an excellent example that has clearly received great care. This stylish example retains its original Bentley five-spoke alloy wheels shod with as-new and correct Pirelli P Zero tyres, as well as its original tool kit. An alpine media entertainment system has been fitted to the car, and the engine starts easily and runs smoothly, as would be expected; there are few cars more sumptuous and refined as the Bentley Continental T.