Based on a design long regarded as the epitome of automotive grandeur and as one of the firm’s final truly handcrafted offerings, the Corniche IV-based Bentley Continental Convertible occupies a special place in the marque’s storied history. Introduced in 1992, it retained Rolls-Royce–Bentley’s venerable 6.75-liter V-8 while incorporating a suite of modern refinements including anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Beneath its elegant lines, reinforced chassis bracing and advanced self-levelling suspension ensured that the open-top Continental maintained the serene composure of its fixed-roof brethren, while other subtle but significant updates included seats with adjustable lumbar support, revised instrumentation, and body-colored bumpers, mirrors, and radiator slats. The Corniche IV-derived Bentley Continental offered timeless styling with the refinements and advancements gained from nearly three decades of continuous development.

The cabin is a showcase of British craftsmanship with hand-stitched Connolly leather, deep Wilton carpets, and mirrored walnut veneers reflecting the careful attention of Bentley’s pre-Volkswagen artisans. During production, hundreds of hours of hand-finishing was devoted to each car, a level of skill and consideration seldom seen in modern automotive manufacturing.

Crafted in exceptionally limited numbers, it has been reported that just 17 Continental Convertibles were built for 1995 with as few as eight produced for the North American market, according to varying sources. The example on offer is among that select group, finished in June 1994 for the upcoming model year and benefitting from a host of final refinements including a four-speed automatic transmission, heated full-glass rear window, and an improved power-operated soft top with automated latches. Finished in elegant white over camel leather with cream piping and a matching camel convertible soft top, the car displays 23,375 miles at the time of cataloguing and is accompanied by a hardbound owner’s manual.

These final examples are prized for their exclusivity and the exceptional motoring experience they afford their fortunate owners. Graceful, commanding, and impeccably refined, this example stands as a dignified farewell to the marque’s age of coach-built manufacturing, its low mileage and striking livery embodying both mechanical excellence and a tangible connection to a bygone era of British craftsmanship.