Dealer Maintained: 1997 Bentley Brooklands – SOLD!

November 13th Update – In the latest example that well-maintained and well documented Bentley offered at the right price does not last long, we’re not surprised to confirm the private seller of this ’97 Brooklands deleted their Craigslist ad.  Consequently, we’re now able to call this Bentley “Sold!”  While this one got away, if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

While a long-standing design can be perceived as being old hat, it also has the benefit of still looking fresh years later. The Bentley Brooklands is one such car, with a design that has withstood the test of time and still looks stately today. This 1997 Brooklands is a later production model, listed recently on Craigslist on Long Island for $19,500 and serviced since new at Bentley of Long Island.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals that the asking price is in line with an “Excellent” condition Brooklands, priced at $22,200, and a “Good” model valued at $17,800. 

Owning a Bentley of any vintage is going to require a generous maintenance budget, if for nothing other than the service rates a Bentley dealer or independent specialist will charge. Kudos, then, to the seller for bellying up and paying the hourly billing at the local Bentley store to keep this Brooklands running right. You didn’t get many choices at a Bentley dealer in the middle 90s, especially in the design department – their flagship sedan had been shaped like a brick for a decade by this point. You could opt for the turbocharged sedan, which offered impressive thrust right out of the box, but conceivably another level of maintenance headaches, especially when buying a used specimen.

This naturally aspirated Brooklands features a 6.75-Liter V8 engine, which may seem like a good-sized mill, but it’s also hauling around close to 6,000 pounds of steel, leather, and thick carpeting. This is the one arena you’ll regret not springing for the turbocharged mill, but if cruising gracefully is your priority, you likely won’t miss it. The interior is hyped by the seller as being one of the car’s better features, as the “Magnolia” leather is accented by a chocolate brown pinstripe, giving the Brooklands a serious jolt of style inside the cabin. The seller notes there are no accidents in its history file, and it comes with four new tires and a fresh New York State inspection. For the money, it’s tough to beat for at least looking like you’re of means, but it’s also likely the best commuter car you’ll ever own (when it’s running).

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1997 Bentley Brooklands in supreme condition Inside and out Magnolia cream interior very rare color combination the pinstripe and the piping is the same color chocolate brown seatbelt factory from Bentley 71,000 miles Always garage kept Always service at Bentley of Long Island Never been in any accidents everything is working there no mechanical issues ice cold AC Four brand new tires just pass New York State inspection runs and drives absolutely perfect must-see please serious inquiries only 19500$ clean NY title in hand serious inquiries only.“

Do you have a Bentley Brooklands story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!