Built between 1952 and 1955, the R Type was the second of Bentley’s point war models. They shared much of the bodywork and 4.5 litre straight 6 engine with the Rolls Royce Silver Dawn, but the Bentley was by far the more popular model. 

It was available with the standard body, or coach built versions from the British houses of the day.

Tested by The Motor in 1953, the R Type could reach 101mph, and 0-60 in 13 seconds, making it one of the fastest as well as most luxurious cars of the decade.

Registered new in 1953, this Bentley has only had 4 owners over the last 70 years. It was originally all black but had the pale gold side panels painted in recent years.

We don't know much about its early life, only that it was well used and covered over 40,000 miles in its first decade, and the last owners have maintained it well, using classic and marque specialists to keep it running as it should.

The original hand book with service record survives with the car, showing the frost 10 years of routine maintenance.

Since around 2000 the owners have used a variety of specialists to keep it mechanically tip top. Ghost Motors have serviced and fitted new exhausts, Introcar and Flying Spares have supplied many items such as fuel pump, window seals, master cylinders, as well as service parts.

In 2014 a reconditioned gearbox was fitted, costing £3500 including fitting and Longstone Tyres fitted a full set of Dunlop RS5 tyres.

Stepping inside the Bentley is entering a different, older, more graceful world. The carpet has just been replaced so is spotless, its fresh feel complements the patina and sense of time of the rest of the cabin, which is otherwise all original.

The materials were the finest available and have lasted the test of time, as the wood and leather have aged they have gained character and charm that can only come through time. 

The leather of the seats has some cracking to the surface but is otherwise in good condition, the padding holding the shape as it should.

On the wooden door capping and dashboard, the lacquer has faded and peeled but the wood underneath is undamaged and could be restored, but that would diminish the appeal.

Overhead the headlining is in lovely condition although a little loose around the rear window, there is a sunroof and ornate courtesy light lens, and in the corners above the back seat, wooden framed mirrors.

Outside the faded grandeur theme continues. The gold side panels were a later addition, a good choice as it enhances the look of the car. 

Although a solid car, there are blemishes and rust spots around the body. Bubbles on the near side front wing, along the sills and holes at the bottom of the rear wings.

At the front, the huge chrome grill and Flying B, bumper and lamp bezels are in excellent condition, smooth and free of pitting. At the back the rear bumper has taken a small knock in the centre.

The hubcaps are undamaged and the tyres have deep tread on all four wheels.

Starting on the button, literally as there is a starter button, the car purrs to life instantly, running quietly with it’s unique susurration sound. The automatic gearbox selects drive and reverse easily and moves off very smoothly. The steering is heavy as expected but turns without excessive play.

Under the car, the chassis has almost no paint on the thick steel, but appears to only have surface rust on the heavy components.

Already timelessly elegant, with its patina of age and use this car gains a whole new appeal. 

It could be restored to like new, but it's only original once and there is something magical about driving a car that has signs of seven decades of use. It would be amazing to drive and enjoy the car as it is and drink in the ambiance.

This is one of the most beautifully characterful cars we’ve seen in a long time.


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