It’s Comfortable, Fast, Has Ample Cowhide and Costs Only $261,800
Acar that costs as much as a house used to? No big deal.
A car that costs as much as a house does today? That’s a big deal.
And that’s why I’m out at Cornes Motors in Mira Mesa: to view the new Bentley Continental R, $261,800 retail.
Actually, it’s a prototype. Being hauled around the country on a flatbed truck (San Diego stop: two days) to interest buyers who want a Bentley that no longer looks like its better-known brother, the Rolls-Royce.
It took the hides from 13 cows to trim the interior. Out of deference to these brave cows, I figure the least I can do is check it out.
Chris Brown, United States Western regional manager for Rolls-Royce, says the company plans to make only 90 for the American market.
“It’s been said that the Bentley is for the man who can no longer fit his mother-in-law in his Porsche,” explained Cornes sales manager Michael R. Curley.
Three have already been ordered by San Diegans. One in gold, two in British Racing Green. Asking for the names is about as fruitful as asking for Queen Elizabeth’s private phone number.
The best I could get was that one of the three has been ordered by a “prominent business couple in San Diego.” Gentlemen (and women), start your imaginations.
This is a sporty Bentley, two-door, zero to 60 m.p.h. in 6.7 seconds (try that in your Rolls), a rack, a pinion and a suspension system that struts.
Think of it this way: On a per-seat basis, it’s a steal. The Bentley seats four (five if you want to be snuggy). The Ferrari F-40, also sold at Cornes, is $432,250, and all you get is two measly bucket seats.
Steel yourself for at least one compromise. The Bentley cannot be sold in the United States with its traditional flying wings hood ornament (“bonnet badge”).
The ornament does not flex. Governmental busybodies frown on members of the working class getting impaled on fancy hood ornaments.
Hence the U.S.-sold Bentley is ornamentless. The dealer, however, can point you to an easy-to-attach ornament kit.
Clever, those British.
An Expert on the Subject
Here it is.
* Pardon me, madam.
A lawyer, two journalists and a professor had all been signed up for an Oct. 23 panel discussion (7 p.m., USD Law School) sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists: “Trial by Media: Guilty Until Proven Innocent?”
What was needed was someone who’s been a criminal defendant in a case with mega-media coverage.
Now that’s been solved: Rolodex Madam Karen Wilkening will join the panel.
Wilkening has two firm rules for speeches and interviews: She won’t name names, and she won’t talk about Betty Broderick, her ex-cellmate.
This despite being told, it limits her chances for a book contract and national exposure on Oprah, Geraldo, etc.
* Out in paperback in December: “Badge of Betrayal,” the story of the conviction of CHP Officer Craig Peyer for the murder of Cara Knott.
Written by San Diego Union reporters Joe Cantlupe and Lisa Petrillo.
* Clarence Thomas jokes are flying.
KGB-FM morning character Jay Reed Stevens hit first with his Supreme Court Justice Pickup Lines.
Among them: “Meet me under the bench in half an hour,” “Let’s go back to my place and pound the gavel,” and “I can sustain an objection longer than any of the other justices.”
Praise the Lord and Pass the Golf Balls
This is Sunday, so a goodly portion of North County is up early and exercising.
To accommodate the spiritual needs of the physically active, Pastor Gordon Coulter of El Camino Community Church in Encinitas has just added a 7:30 a.m. service. For golfers, soccer or football players, triathletes and others who have early starts.
A condensed version of the regular 10:15 a.m. service but with the same message. The key is informality.
Coulter, an ex-West Covina cop who just arrived from Los Angeles, says exercise togs are acceptable dress:
“You can even wear your surfing wet suit if you want.”
