Lot 137 - 1953 Bentley R-Type by James Young

• Rare two door example
• From a deceased estate

The R-Type is the second series of post-war Bentley motorcars and replaced the Mk. VI. Essentially a larger-boot version of the Mk. VI, the R-Type is regarded by some as a stop-gap before the introduction of the S-series cars in 1955. As with its predecessor, a standard body was available as well as coachbuilt versions by firms including H.J.Mulliner, Park Ward, Harold Radford, Freestone and Webb and others. Even by this date, there was little difference, other than the radiator grilles and the carburetion, between the standard Bentley R-Type and the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, though Bentley was still the more popular sporting marque. Indeed, the vast majority of cars produced were Bentleys with some 2,500 units manufactured during the R-Type's run. During development, it was referred to as the Bentley Mk. VII; even the chassis cards for these cars describe them as Bentley 7's. The R-Type name, which is now usually applied, stems from chassis series RT. The front of the saloon model was identical to the Mk. VI, but the boot was almost doubled in capacity and the engine increased in displacement from 4¼ to 4½ litres.

This extremely rare two door example is thought to be the only one of this design bodied by the world famous coach builder James Young. When new this car was an eye watering £6,351-12 s and 1d. The car presents well in the striking colour combination of Deep Red over ivory with beautiful magnolia trim and contrasting deep red carpets. This impressive Bentley was purchased 26 years ago by an avid collector of rare examples of the marque. When purchased the car was described as ‘needing some attention’ and during his tenure all works required were undertaken. The comprehensive file contains thousands of pounds of supporting invoices and a 1953 copy of Autocar which features an article on this very car. The preparation for sale undertaken by the vendor has included servicing, some remedial works and detailing. Offered to auction with a V5C registration document, an original handbook, a James Young file, photographs, a copy of the original invoice and tools, KLF 247 is a rare opportunity to own an extremely rare handbuilt Bentley.