Built from 1996 through 2003, the Bentley Continental T represents a significant moment in the history of the storied British marque. Like the closely related Continental R, the model was powered by the venerable L-Series 6.75-liter V-8, a motor also shared with Rolls-Royce models. These Bentleys, however, bucked decades of tradition by wearing their own distinctive bodywork not shared with the other brand—a crucial component of the luxury automaker’s renaissance, which continues to this day.

Designed as a sporty counterpart to the Continental R (which rides on a wheelbase four inches longer, and with a rear track one inch narrower, than that of the Continental T), the model subtly hints at its performance potential with its tasteful fender flares; its stated 5.8-second zero-to-60 mph sprint and 155 mph top speed did not come at the cost of a luxuriously appointed cabin. Quite simply, Continental T was designed for those who did not find the Continental R to be exclusive or sporty enough; it aimed at those who likened themselves to the original “Bentley Boys”—wealthy drive-hard amateurs who raced Bentleys in the 1920s.

Consequently, the car’s original price tag in 1998 was also nothing short of extraordinary: over $350,000 when new (a $30,800 premium over the Continental R), or roughly $572,000 in today’s dollars adjusted for inflation. Further, in contrast to its similarly named successor, the Continental GT, the Continental T was among the last of the truly hand-built Bentleys.

This 1998 Bentley Continental T is one of 14 North American Regional Special Editions (RSE). It is finished in Blue Sequin Mica over Sandstone. Features that make the RSE special include, stainless headlight surrounds, tinted windscreen, 18-inch chrome plated wheels, color keyed bumper undertray and finishing strips, seats featuring leather hides with perforated inserts and Alcantara bolsters, chrome plated instrumentation bezels, Alpine navigation, color keyed gear shift, Burr walnut trim with wrap over waist rails, and an electric rear window blind. The odometer displays 29,463 miles at the time of cataloguing. The Bentley is accompanied by a tool kit, road hazard kit, and tire change gloves.