1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Special For Sale (picture 1 of 62)
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1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Special For Sale (picture 1 of 62)
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1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Special For Sale (picture 62 of 62)
Winning bid
£34,000

1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Special

Highlights

  • One-off bespoke coachwork designed by Peter Rae, former Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club
  • Professionally built special with over 1,000 hours spent from design to completion
  • Inspired by the rare 1939 Bentley 4½ Litre 'Embiricos' Coupé
  • Comes with extensive history, including factory build sheets and Jack Barclay documentation


The Appeal

The Bentley R-Type has long been revered as one of the most elegant and capable grand tourers of the post-war era, but this particular example takes that legacy in a completely different direction. This is a truly unique creation - a one-off special with bespoke coachwork designed and built by Peter Rae, the former Managing Director of RAE International (Bodybuilders) and Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club. 

The rakish, streamlined bodywork draws inspiration from the legendary 1939 Bentley 4½ Litre 'Embiricos' Coupé and the French coachbuilders of the 1930s, resulting in a four-seater open tourer with tremendous road presence and distinctive style that stands apart from any other Bentley.
Built approximately 20 years ago with first road use around 2015, this special represents over 1,000 hours of skilled craftsmanship from design to completion. Based on a standard wheelbase R-Type chassis and using all standard components, it combines classic Bentley engineering with flamboyant, head-turning aesthetics that are loaded with character. Originally campaigned in local classic events in Scotland, this is a truly remarkable one-off classic that's ready and waiting for its lucky new owner. 

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History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1953 as an R-Type Bentley
  • Professionally rebuilt as a special around 2003
  • Completed and first on the road around 2015
  • Previously used in local classic events in Scotland before being garaged for the last few years
  • MOT recently expired - though it's notable this was advisory-free 
  • Comes with extensive documentation including:
    • The original green logbook
    • Factory build sheets
    • Jack Barclay history
    • DVLA correspondence
  • Accompanied by:
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Hood and hood bag
    • Full tonneau cover
    • Club badges
  • Currently located in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

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The Condition

  • Bespoke streamlined coachwork designed to evoke the style of 1930s French coachbuilders
  • Two-door, four-seater open tourer configuration
  • Bodywork appears in smart condition, having covered little mileage since rebuild
  • No dents, dings or notable corrosion we can discern
  • Brightwork contrasts beautifully
  • Glasswork and lenses nicely kept
  • Comes with a hood and full tonneau cover
  • Features various club badges
  • Interior is very nicely kept with rich, sumptuous-looking upholstery
  • Vertical-grain woodwork and cappings are very nicely presented
  • All instruments appear clean and legible
  • Dashboard in good overall order

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The Mechanics

  • 4.6-litre straight-six engine
  • 4-speed manual transmission 
  • Standard R-Type Bentley chassis and components
  • Professionally built by Peter Rae, a specialist in Bentley specials
  • Designed with aerodynamic principles in mind, inspired by the wind tunnel-tested Embiricos Bentley
  • Currently garaged and would likely benefit from recommissioning after several years of limited use
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BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 
Winning bid
£34,000
Sold
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Auction Details

  • Year1953
  • MakeBentley
  • ModelR Type
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer29,996 Miles
  • Engine size4600cc
  • TransmissionManual, 4 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownLytham Saint Annes
  • CountyLancashire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

8 Bids from 6 bidders

Masbent••••
Bid
£34,000
22/07/25
KnightP••••
Bid
£33,000
22/07/25
Jonatha••••
Bid
£32,500
22/07/25
KnightP••••
Bid
£30,500
22/07/25
barry.f••••
Bid
£30,000
19/07/25
KnightP••••
Bid
£27,500
18/07/25
Delvama••••
Bid
£27,000
15/07/25
paul-ga••••
Pre-bid
£5,000
12/07/25

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