1953 Bentley R-Type Saloon

In the post-War era, many of the Rolls-Royce cars were given standard coachwork, known as the Standard Steel Saloon. Managing Director Arthur Sidgreaves recognized that new production methods and materials rendered the marque's traditional manufacturing techniques outdated. This fundamental shift in how the company constructed its automobiles was done to continue the company's commercial success.

In keeping with the company's ability to offer exclusivity, a number of coachbuilders were given the opportunity to create bodies on the R-Type. The list includes Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young, Hooper, Abbots, Radford, Graber, Freestone & Webb, and others.

This R-Type is one of just 29 built with the sweeping and dramatic four-door saloon coachwork by Freestone & Webb. Freestone & Webb was among England's smallest and most distinctive custom coachbuilders. This example is painted in blue over grey with excellent bright-work and a grey interior with smart blue piping and woodwork. There is a center-mounted driving lamp and whitewall tires. The car has an older restoration and recently emerged from storage before being brought to auction.

In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $28,000 - $38,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $12,100 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009