Description
1954 Bentley R-Type - Three decades of single family ownership & timeless presence.
Produced between 1952 and 1955, the R-Type was a significant evolution of the post-war Bentley Mark VI, offering more space, improved performance, and refined styling. As Bentley sought to re-establish itself in the luxury market after World War II under Rolls-Royce ownership, the R-Type continued the use of a robust chassis and inline-six engine, initially 4. 6 litres and later increased to 4. 9 litres. One of the most notable variants was the R-Type Continental, introduced in 1952, which became the fastest four-seat car in the world at the time, thanks to its aerodynamic design and lightweight aluminium coachwork by H. J. Mulliner.
With only 2, 320 R-Types produced, including just over 200 Continentals, the model remains a highly sought-after classic, symbolising the elegance and engineering excellence of early 1950s British motoring. The R-Type helped bridge the transition between traditional coachbuilt luxury and the more modern, mass-produced vehicles that followed.
Chassis B209WG, was registered new on 13/ 05/ 1954 at Jack Barclay, York Road, Battersea, London, is a charming 1954 Bentley R-Type which has remained in the same family ownership for over thirty four years. During this time it has been maintained by a trusted local village garage in the heart of Henley-on-Thames, ensuring it has remained on the road and enjoyed for family trips to rugby matches and summer days out.
Finished in solid green with a red coachline over green hide, complemented by matching carpets and burr ash wood veneers, 473CUW exudes the understated grandeur typical of Bentley’s post-war saloons. The interior shows the warm patina of age, with the leather and veneer offering the kind of honest originality one would want.
While no formal history file accompanies the car, its long-term family ownership and continuous care speak volumes. Having been preserved rather than restored, it presents today as an authentic and unspoilt example. As with many cars of its era, a degree of sympathetic recommissioning would be recommended before regular touring use, but the fundamentals remain sound.
This Bentley R-Type represents an opportunity to acquire a motor car of genuine heritage, charm, and presence. Whether as a rewarding restoration project or a patinated driver to enjoy at leisure, B209WG captures the spirit of early 1950s British motoring and the timeless appeal of the Bentley marque.
