1954 Bentley R Type Fastback Coupe

Slowly the effect of World War II began to wane. However, most of the British Isles, like the rest of Europe, was still rebuilding. Rationing was still a part of everyday life; chains that only allowed an individual to go just so far.

When it would become apparent the country would not only survive, but thrive once again, a mass exodus would take place amongst the nationals. Although the war had been over for years, the population wouldn't really experience freedom until the early 1950s.

Everyone, from the common man to the wealthy man, wanted to experience life. For those that could afford it, opulence was considered life. And for those that could, nothing would provide life-giving pleasure like the Bentley Continental Fastback.

The Bentley Continental had actually come into existence before the start of World War II. These Continental, for their day were fast and comfortable. One particular Bentley, a 1938 4.25-liter Coupe would end up being able to reach more than 120 mph on the autobahns in Germany. The early Continental would eventually lead to the MK V. However, MK V production would be limited by the outbreak of World War II.

After the war, Bentley and Rolls-Royce would move operations to Crewe. Bentley would pick up manufacturing with the MK VI. In spite of the fact the war had ended, and people started to again live a life of normalcy and of greater comfort they would still need some inspiration to truly enjoy life again. Bentley would replace the MK VI with the R-Type Continental and the result would be a rebirth for Bentley. The beautifully designed H.J. Mulliner designs would motivate the wealthy to not just think practically anymore, but artistically and emotionally. And the R-Type's design was truly an evocative design; a flagship for Bentley.

All of the Continentals ever produced for Bentley would be coach-built, and therefore, very distinctive. One of those distinctive designs from Mulliner would be the Continental Fastback. The Fastback featured a steeply descending rear end completed by a boot handle and the Bentley logo.

There would be just 208 R-Type Continental cars built. Out of those, 193 would include the Mulliner Fastback Coupe design. Only 43 out of the 208 would come fitted with left-hand drive direct new from the factory. And among those 43, only nine would be fitted with automatic transmissions before leaving the factory. These nine cars would certainly be the rarest of the bunch. And one of them would be available for auction in Monterey, California.

Chassis BC62LC certainly is one of the rarest Mulliner Fastback Coupes, but it would also have a history filled with extra highlights that would cause the car even more of an interesting showpiece. This specific chassis, made available through RM Auctions, would be finished in midnight blue with maroon Connolly leather interior and would be delivered to Laurence Rockefeller in 1954. The car would be delivered to New York on board the SS Mauretania. Laurence Rockefeller was a philanthropist and a rather generous individual. The car would actually be a gift to his wife Mary Rockefeller.

Mary would own the car until 1960 when it would be sold to John Merriam, the CEO of Northern Natural Gas Company. Merriam would keep the car until 1972 when it would again be sold, with air conditioning, to Virgil Campbell. Peter Hageman would eventually purchase the car in 2001. It would eventually change hands a couple more times before it would go through come mechanical work by Mosier Restoration in Inglewood, California. The car would further go through restoration in 2007.

As presented at the time of auction, the car was expected to earn somewhere around $850,000 and $1,000,000. It would come with a 155 hp, 4.8-liter six-cylinder engine with dual SU carburetors; making it the fastest production car of its time. Even after some sixty years of age, the quality of the Bentley Continental Fastback still offers confidence of extended high-speed cruising.

One of the definitive examples that charted Bentley's course after the war, this rare Fastback Coupe also has that particular personal history that makes the car a centerpiece not just in any collection but in conversation as well.

At auction, the lot was sold for the sum of $753,500 which included buyer's premium.

Sources:

'Featured Lots: Lot No. 213: 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner', (http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r198&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r198&fc=0. Retrieved 19 August 2011.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Bentley R Type', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 5 July 2011, 12:15 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bentley_R_Type&oldid=437861746 accessed 19 August 2011

By Jeremy McMullen