It helped Bentley crack the 300-kilowatt mark for the first time and gave the fans just what they wanted. The Continental was already significant as the first bespoke-bodied Bentley since the 1960s and the first that didn’t have a Rolls-Royce equivalent.

Its design embodied the historic legacy of performance Bentleys, echoing its original reputation for offering swift and opulent grand tourers. Its 3.0-metre-long wheelbase sitting under a 5.3-metre hand-built body simply exudes class.

In total, the brand built just 21 right-hand drive examples alongside 18 left-hand drive models, resulting in a product run of a mere 39 copies. When you consider its rarity, opulence and quality, it’s no wonder everyone wants one in their garage.

Over the years, the mighty 6.75-litre V8 has garnered a reputation as a bit of a workhorse. There are plenty of documented examples functioning well past 300,000 km, and its old-school nature makes it relatively simple to keep on the road.

This example was one of three ordered and delivered new to Japan by its sole licensed agent, Cornes Motors. Finished in British Racing Green with a matching double-green interior, it’s likely this vehicle is a unique configuration.