The Bentley Continental Sedanca Coupe was unveiled to the public in September 1998 and revived a name that had been dormant since the 1920s and 1930s. Specifically, “Sedanca” referred to the removable roof section above the driver and front-seat passenger that permitted early car enthusiasts to experience open-air motoring with the convenience of a closed cabin when required. For the modern interpretation, Bentley incorporated a highly advanced glass roof design that permitted levels of refinement unimaginable to the drivers of its predecessors, with two removable glass front panels and a further fixed glass panel over the rear seats. When not in place, the panels store into a compartment in the boot.

Mechanically, the Continental SC was based upon the concurrent Continental T Mulliner and featured the same shortened wheelbase and wider front and rear wheel arches, lending the car sporting proportions and an undeniably aggressive stance. This was amply supported by the 6.75-liter turbocharged V-8 engine underhood, producing 400 horsepower and a staggering 590 pound-feet of torque; with the sprint to 60 mph taking just over six seconds and a stated top speed of 155 mph, performance was—and is even today—breathtaking. Starting at nearly $320,000, its price tag was equally breathtaking; it is hardly surprising that only 73 Continental Sc examples were produced, of which 48 were delivered with left-hand drive.

Delivered new via Royal Motor Cars of Atlanta, Georgia, this US-market 1999 Continental SC was finished new in Mulsanne Green over a Magnolia leather interior with Spruce piping, a classic combination it still wears proudly today. An engine-turned dashboard adds a performance-inspired touch to the luxurious interior. Special-order items including chrome wheels, Bentley emblems on the waistrails, and seat headrests embroidered with the famous “Flying B” logo brought its total price to an imposing $326,260.

In 2018, the Bentley was exported to the suitably glamourous locale of Monaco. It would reside overseas until 2020, when it was acquired by The Rey collection and returned to the United States. Invoices on file from 2002–2021 indicate regular service as well as cosmetic care, with particular attention paid to the car’s hydraulic suspension by specialists during its time spent in Europe.

Under present ownership it was treated to a substantial service job undertaken by noted specialists Vantage Motorworks of North Miami, Florida. Completed in February 2021, the scope of work included service to the brake and suspension systems, refurbishment of the interior (including fabrication of worn or missing components), a sound system upgrade, horn repair, an exterior color sand and polish, and four new Pirelli Zero tires, all at a cost of over $38,000.

Importantly, while it has been exercised by its owners over the years, its odometer displays a modest 31,664 miles at time of cataloguing. In addition to factory build records, invoices, and owner’s manuals, this Bentley is accompanied by a pair of branded umbrellas.

The Continental R–based Bentleys were the last of the hand-built Bentleys, and the Sedanca Coupe is the jewel of the series. They are seldom offered on the open market. This carefully maintained Continental SC offers the blend of power, performance, and exclusivity for which the hallowed British marque is known the world over, and in a wonderful and classic combination colors to boot.