1953 Bentley R-Type
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1953 Bentley R-TypeAfter World War II Rolls-Royce resumed car production with the Bentley Mark VI with modifications (larger engine and boot) evolved into the R-Type. Departing from the custom coach bodies of the pre-war era, the first post World War II Bentley cars were factory fitted with steel coach work. A limited number of Mark VI and R's were re-badged with Rolls-Royce grills and marketed as Silver Dawns. This R-Type was known as the 'big bore and big boot' sports saloon which was advertised as 'the silent sports - to be driven by its owner'. A 4.5-liter six-cylinder engine with a four-speed floor shift makes the car very responsive and fun to drive.This car was the 1953 display model of London car dealer Charles Follett Ltd. The car was originally painted in a somber Tudor gray and had gray hides, piping and head cloth. The first owner was a lawyer R.D. Blackwell of Eaton Square in London. In 1957 the car was owned by C.C. Hodson of Egerton Crescent, London and in 1961 by John Hal O.B.E. and a Member of the House of Commons. The car was exported to New York and driven by Broadway Actor Patrick O'Neil. In 1971 it was purchased by his business partner Dick Harvey and had a three year group up restoration to the highest standards at the works of John McComb with Butch Murphy in Columbus, Ohio. The colors - Scottish Pine Green with Butterfly Yellow side panels are authentic Rolls-Royce color options. The car was awarded a National First Place at the French Lick meet in 1981 by the Rolls Royce Owners Club. In 1999 the car won a coveted 'Amelia Award' at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. In 2002 the car was shipped to England and was shown at the Bentley Driver's Concours and driven on the BDC 2000 mile European tour. In 2003 the car was awarded First Place in the Annual Heritage Plantation British Car Show, and won First Place in the Touring Class at the National Meet of the Rolls Royce Owners Club in Newport. In 2005 the car was Best in Class at the British Car Club of Charleston, and won its class at Euro Fest. |
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