Lot 179 - 1954 Bentley R-Type Standard Steel Saloon

• Lovely patina
• Single family ownership for the first 67 years
• Highly original

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. V. The R-type was a development of the Mk. VI Bentley with several mechanical improvements such as higher rear axle ratios, the chassis and engine being carried forward into the later S class which remained in production until the Silver Shadow of 1966. 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 carburation) 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. 

First issued with the Manchester registration number ‘OVU 200’ on April 22nd 1954, chassis B73WG had been in single family custodianship for 67 years until the vendor purchased the car last year. Reportedly a clothing fastener producer, the first owner must have enjoyed considerable success to be able to buy himself a new Bentley R-Type in 1954. Highly original with a particularly delightful interior, the rich red leather and polished wood veneers exude a wonderful patina. The gloss black paintwork has a deep shine with some imperfections that are to be expected on such an original car that is sixty-eight years old. Recently recommissioned following almost a decade of dry storage, the R-Type starts readily and the vendor reports the car to run and drive very well.

Supplied with V5C registration document, sundry paperwork, original driver’s handbook and MoT test certificate valid until November 2022. A rare opportunity to acquire a low ownership and highly original Bentley with a wonderful patina.