1953 Bentley R-Type Saloon

At the 1953 Geneva Salon Bentley would debut what would become the famous R-Type. However, what would make that first R-Type so appealing would be the handywork of H.J. Mulliner designer J.P. Blatchley. Aerodynamic and light, the car would be the posterchild of the postwar sports saloon.

In total, there would be five series of the R-Type Continental. But among these series perhaps the most notable and iconic would be the streamlined sports saloons penned by Blatchley. The fastback look of the R-Type would be an amalgamation of conscripting aerodynamics into luxury, coachbuilt automobiles. All together, there would be 207 examples of the streamlined sports saloon built over the period of four years. Of these 207, more than 190 would be fitted with bodies by Mulliner.

One of to be fitted with a Mulliner coachbuilt, streamlined body would be chassis BC20A. The 'A' would denote the first series R-Type and the '20' would represent the 19th example to be built by the factory, the number 13 being omitted for superstitious reasons.

Completed in the early spring of 1953, BC20A would be delivered to Louis Schneiter of Coffet, Switzerland. However, before Schneiter would be able to take delivery of the Bentley it would make an appearance at the Geneva Salon. Complete with full 'spats' and adjustable seats, BC20A would make quite the impression.

Like every Bentley to be clothed with a Mulliner body, this particular example would be brimming with special equipment and other added extras. Some of these special features would include fog lamps, an improved steering gear for better handling, flashing-type turn signals and a radio. Despite the luxurious features, the R-Type would be all about saving weight. Altogether, the special alloy body and chassis would weigh in less than 4,000 pounds making the R-Type a beautiful saloon that had the performance to match the looks.

BC20A would make its way to Switzerland in February of 1953 and would remain in Europe into the early 1960s. At that time, the Bentley would make its way across the 'pond' to the United States and into the possession of Lamont Haggarty.

Some time later, Anthony 'Bud' Korteweg, the founder of The Coachworks, would come to own the car. It would be a fitting acquisition for the man whose facility would be well respected for its work restoring Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles.

Having come into the possession of Korteweg, the Bentley would not be hid away in seclusion. However, Korteweg would see the R-Type as more than just a show car. Having had it restored in totality, Korteweg would use the Bentley as his own personal car. The car would make appearances at events, but it would also head out on a number of trips over the course of its lifetime with Mr. Korteweg.

Having been restored to its original look and feel from when it graced the Geneva Salon in 1953, BC20A remains a fine example of the early A series R-Types and a classical embodiment of Bentley and Mulliner.

Offered at the 2014 RM Auctions event in Monterey the 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Sports Saloon, with coachwork by Mulliner, would garner a sale price of $1,210,000.

By Jeremy McMullen