By the dawn of the 21st century, Rolls-Royce and Bentley were on the precipice of the largest changes in their respective histories. With Rolls-Royce being purchased by BMW and Bentley acquired by Volkswagen, both companies would go their separate ways for the first time in decades. Despite this, production soldiered on as-was for a handful of years, before production on the Phantom began at Rolls-Royce’s new factory at Goodwood and renovations were completed in Crewe prior to the start of production of the Continental GT.

These cars from 1998-2002 represent the end of an era for both companies and today many believe them to be the pinnacle of collectability from Vickers’ ownership, boasting low-production numbers and a hand-built charm. Arguably the most desirable of these cars on Bentley’s side is the Continental SC.

With SC abbreviated from ‘Sedanca Coupe’, the Continental SCs were built on the chassis of the Continental T, boasting that car’s shortened wheelbase and wider wheel arches, but also a two-piece removable glass roof panel that could easily be fitted in the trunk. With a starting price of nearly $320,000 when new, it is no wonder that just seventy-three Continental SCs were built by Bentley from 1998-2000. The vast majority were built for the 1999 model year, with just four cars built for 2000, including the example offered here. Research shows that although this car is the second of those four by chassis number, it was actually the very first Continental SC to be manufactured at Crewe.

This Continental SC’s order form shows it was delivered new to Morton Topfer via Bentley Pasadena and was finished in Peacock paintwork over an Oatmeal and Autumn leather interior, just as it presents today. Topfler’s only special request was that walnut veneer facia panels would be utilized on the dashboard and doors, rather than the standard metal finish. Ordered in April of 1999, the car was completed by the end of the year and delivered to his home in Austin, Texas.

It is often said that the first owner of any Bentley is always an interesting individual, and Morton Topfer is no exception to the rule. Born in Brooklyn, Morton grew up in a housing project in Williamsburg and would become the first person in his family to graduate college, attaining a bachelor’s degree in physics which would lead him to a fascinating career in engineering and technology. The majority of that career was spent at Motorola but at the time he purchased the Continental SC, Topfler was working at the Dell Computer Corporation as Vice Chairman and Counselor to the CEO. He worked directly alongside Michael Dell and his impact on the business was tremendous. During his tenure at the company from 1994-2002, Dell’s market capitalization grew from $800 million to $110 billion.

It is believed that the car remained in Topfer’s ownership for approximately three years and moved to Southern California by early 2004. The accompanying Carfax shows that the car was regularly looked after by Symbolic Motorcars of La Jolla, California, an authorized Bentley dealer in the ensuing years. With its most recent prior owner in San Diego, the car was part of a large Bentley and Rolls-Royce collection, where it was said to be a favorite tour car, used regularly and serviced in-house by the collection’s own mechanics.

Acquired by the consignor from RM Sotheby’s in early 2019, for the past six years the Continental SC has resided on Long Island. In March 2021, the car was fitted with four new tires (at 25,334 miles) and the power steering rack was rebuilt by Bentley Greenwich. Currently, the car is showing just under 26,250 miles from new. An oil change was undertaken in April 2020 by Black Horse Automotive Services in Bridgeport, Connecticut at 24,795 miles. As was the case with the previous owner, in its current ownership the car has continued to be serviced regularly by the current owner’s in-house mechanics.

Now over 25 years since production ended, the Continental SC is a bona fide modern day collectible. A brilliant car to use and enjoy on a regular basis with plenty of space for four passengers and their luggage, it is no surprise that these cars find their way into collections alongside both their older and younger siblings, as they represent a splendid middle ground between Bentley’s classic and contemporary models.