We are delighted to offer here for sale an exceptionally rare Bentley R Type Continental made rarer still thanks to some special factory requests.

The Model

The Bentley R Type Continental was a land mark British Grand Tourer produced between 1952 and 1955, production was very limited with only 208 being completed in that time, ensuring its collector status.

The Continental was a streamlined, lightweight fastback based on the Bentley R Type drivetrain, mated with light modification to the engine and a longer final gear ratio to ensure greater performance, it was in fact the fastest four seater car in production in its day being capable of 120mph. A heady number over 70 years ago!

Its aluminium coachwork was created by HJ Mulliner and refined in a wind tunnel at Hucknell Flight Test facility using initially a quarter-scale model to sculpt its slippery lines. Its shape is not only effortlessly pretty, but was also designed to be stable at speeds of up to 120mph to ensure it lives up to its touring credentials.

In the day tyres were a limiting factor, no company was able to produce tyres that could sustain the weight of a standard Bentley at 120mph, hence a lightweighting exercise had to be undertaken for the Continental, this involved aluminium panelling, reduced sound deadening, lighter glass and a reduced fuel tank. All in all this made the Continental a very useful 300-400kg lighter than the R Type it is based on.

At around £7,300 it was not only the fastest four seater but also the most expensive production car, making it within reach of only a select few of society. It truly was, and is the pinnacle of motoring.

This Example

On offer with us today is chassis number BC15C. This example was completed by Bentley on 11th May 1953, before its coachwork was completed by HJ Mulliner (to design number 7277) on the 14th December 1953 and road tested on Christmas Eve. It was purchased, via Rippon Bros Ltd, by an R.L. Brown and has spent its life in the UK apart from occasional jaunts to tour the continent.

R.L. Brown specified the car with a number of desirable options:

• Centrally mounted gear change - believed to be one of only six produced
• Lightweight sports seats
• Lightweight small overriders
• Plain radiator cap
• Sliding tray under cubby
• No Bentley badge on the boot lid

The current owner purchased the car in 2012 and has since remained good friends with the previous owner who owned it from 2000. The car was originally supplied in Tudor Grey, we know the car was resprayed in Blue Mink in 1996 by Murray Motor Company before being returned to Tudor Grey in 2000 when the previous owner took ownership.

Since 2012, the current owner has not been shy to give the car with attention, it has received a full engine rebuild by Jonathan Wood, a full bare metal repaint by Bacchelli & Villa in Italy and extensive suspension and drive train work by marque specialist Padgett Restorations. In preparation for sale, on behalf of the current owner, we have just serviced the car and resolved a small number of minor items.

All of the above work was carried out to ensure that the car remained enjoyable and reliable to drive, which allowed the owner to stretch its legs on a number of European rallies. She drives beautifully and the familiarity of the central gearshift helps to make her an easier and more pleasurable drive.

The motor car presents wonderfully with the paintwork being bright and deep thanks to its recent respray to an exceptional standard, and the interior has a characterful patina to it without looking overly worn.

In Summary

Whether you are looking for a delightful automobile to take to shows and events, or take touring on the continent, or to simply add to the collection to enjoy and stare at, this is beautiful car with untold amounts of charm. These cars do not come up often so it is a great pleasure to offer this for sale and we look forward to finding its next custodian. Please do get in contact to find out more and arrange a viewing.