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1953 Bentley R-Type

When World War II came to a close, Rolls-Royce transferred the production of its motor cars from Derby to its wartime aero-engine facility at Crewe. For the first time in the company's history, they built complete cars rather than just the chassis.

The first Bentley model to emerge after the war was the Mark VI, a virtual duplicate (sans radiator shell) of its sister, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. The bodies were styled by the company's own designers, with ex-Gurney Nutting Chief Designer John Blatchley adding refinement. With the standardized bodies, the work could be completed in greater numbers at its new factory in Crewe, England. Bentley and Rolls-Royce continued to offer custom coachwork at the owner's discretion.

In 1951, the engine capacity was increased to 4,566 cubic centimeters. The standard saloon body was revised with a longer boot in 1952. At the same time, chassis numbering had reached the R series, causing this model to become known as the R-Type in late-1952. At this time, an optional automatic transmission with twin SU carburetors also became available. In total, there were 2,325 R-Types were produced through 1955.

The Bentley R-Type was powered by the 4,566cc 'F-head' (inlet-over-exhaust) engine with a 92mm (3.62 inch) bore and 114.3 mm (4.50 inch) stroke fed by twin SU Type H6 carburetors. The block was formed from iron and the heads were aluminum. A four-speed manual transmission was standard while the four-speed automatic was optional on later cars. The front suspension was independent using coil springs with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Stopping power was provided by 311 mm (12.25 inch) drums located at all four corners with the front hydraulically operated while the rear brakes were mechanically operated via a gearbox driven servo.

R-Type Continental

The superlative features of the R-Type were enhanced with the arrival of the R-Type Continental, combining high performance with exceptional refinement. Unlike the ordinary 'standard steel' R-Type, the Continental was bodied in the traditional manner with coachwork applied by various coachbuilders. The prototype example wore coachwork designed and built by Rolls-Royce's Chief Project Engineer, Ivan Evernden and coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner & Co. It was a lightweight, aluminum, wind tunnel-developed fastback which used metal throughout instead of the traditional ash-framed bodies. In the back were fins that stabilized the car while at speed and reduced its susceptibility to directional changes due to crosswinds. The prototype was chassis number 9-B-VI and registration number OLG-490, earning it the nickname 'Olga.' The first series of production Continentals, including Olga, was based on the Mark VI chassis. Some of the early R Type Continentals received the standard R-Type engine but with modified carburetion, induction and exhaust manifolds. The compression increased from the standard 6.75:1 to 7.24:1, and the final gear ratio was raised (lowered numerically) from 3.41 to 3.07.

Many of the Continental components were shared with the standard R-Type, and were delivered as rolling chassis to the coachbuilder of choice. Most of the Continentals received bodies by H.J. Mulliner & Co., with the majority of those as fastback coupes. Park Ward built six examples and Franay of Paris built five. The Swiss coachbuilder Graber bodied three examples and one of them was later altered by Köng of Basel, Switzerland. James Young of London built a Sports Saloon for James Barclay, and Pininfarina also bodied a single example.

As the Continental matured, there was an inevitable increase in weight, which was offset by the introduction of a 4,887cc engine on the 'D' and 'E' series cars, commencing in May 1954. The full four/five-seater saloon was capable of a top speed of 120 mph with 100 mph achieved in third gear.

The Continental was initially built for export only, and their base price, delivery charges, and local taxes almost certainly earned them the distinction of being the most expensive car in the world as well as the fastest capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. Most examples were produced principally for the domestic home market, with 207 examples receiving right-hand drive while just 43 had left-hand drive for use abroad.

Bentley produced 2,323 examples of the R Type with 295 of those receiving custom-built coachwork bodies. An additional 208 examples, including one prototype, were R Type Continental models.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: B-157-TO B-78 T
Engine number: B 006157

After 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.

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC20A
Engine number: BCA19

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

Saloon by Freestone & Webb
Chassis number: B121SP

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 Dan Vaughan

Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC1LB
Engine number: BCB1

This Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner is one of two of the second-series 'B' models supplied with both left-hand drive and the center-shift manual transmission. It was fitted from new with lightweight aluminum frame bucket seats and Wilmot Breedon bumpers, as well as the rear fender 'spats' common to all R-Type Continentals through the late 'C' series. It was installed from the factory with the 4.6-liter engine as the 4.9-liter unit did not yet exist - it was introduced for the final 'D' and 'E' cars later, in 1954.

The car's original owner was J. Gordon Mack, of the Pennsylvania family that owned the G.C. Murphy variety store chain. Mr. Mach took delivery of the Bentley on July 16th of 1953 via New York distributor J.S. Inskip. A short time later (less than a year), the car was involved in a serious accident and was returned to the factory where it was totally remanufactured to the most current specification. The chassis was rebuilt to the latest, and lighter, welded-frame construction, and fitted with a new 4.9-litre engine. It was then sent to Mulliner for new coachwork to the original design, no. 5706. Some of the original trim hardware was reused from the first iteration. In this guise, the car was considered 'new' by the factory, and another three-year guarantee was issued.

In the summer of 1954, the car returned back to the United States, but Mr. Mack passed away soon thereafter. On October 3rd of 1956, Inskip sold the car for the estate to the second owner, Robert Publicker. On January 26th of 1961, the car was again sold by Inskip, this time to Edmond R. du Pont of Delaware. On July 18th of 1966, it was acquired by Anthony Thompson, who in January 1980 passed it to Alan W. Rothschild. The car was restored in 1988 to its present Masons Black livery with Tan leather interior. Between 1989 and 1992, the car earned RROC Senior awards, and in 1990 it earned an AACA National Senior First Prize for Mr. Rothschild.

In 1997, the car was sent to Vantage Motorworks and received an air conditioning system that duplicates that fitted to the 1953 New York show car, the only R-Type Continental known to have been delivered air-conditioned from the factory.

In its current ownership, the Bentley was given a correct-style aluminum radiator from the UK, and an upgrade to the big-valve, six-port cylinder head, as used on the Bentley S1, along with larger SU carburetors, a special distributor, and a larger-diameter tailpipe. Known as the 'OPWAS modification,' this was originally available through the factory as a retrofit to earlier Continentals in 1955.

The current caretaker has driven the car in the 2012 Copperstate 1000 where it earned the Distance Award. It received the Best Rolls-Royce or Bentley trophy from the Greystone Mansion Concours in 2012, Best in Class at the Amelia Island Concours in 2013, Best in Class during the Bentley feature year at Mar-a-Lago Classic Sports Sunday in 2014, and Most Elegant Bentley at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance in 2019 (the Bentley Motors centenary year).

In 2019, the car returned to Vantage Motorworks for mechanical service and cosmetic freshening, including the fitment of new Wilton carpets.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: B9T0

In 1959, Rolls-Royce purchased rival H.J. Mulliner. In 1969, Park War and Mulliner merged to form Mulliner Park Ward.

This Bentley R-Type Drophead Coupe by Park Ward was delivered new to Mr. George Dawson in October of 1953. It is believed to be one of just six right-hand drive models built. The car is finished in Black Cherry exterior with a biscuit leather interior.

The current owner acquired the car several years ago and has displayed it at several events, winning a First in Class at a Rolls-Royce Owners' Club National Meet, the Jack Frost Ladies' Choice Trophy for Most Outstanding Car, and First Place at the 2013 Queen's English All-British Car Show at Woodley Park, as well as Best Coachbuilt Car.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC16LA
Engine number: BCA15

The Georges-Paulin-designed Corniche prototype of 1940 eventually evolved into H.I.F. Evenden and J.P. Blatchley's R-Type Continental. The design and development of the prototype Continental was entrusted to H.J. Mulliner, which was based on the frame, suspension, steering and braking components of a standard R-Type. Light alloy was used for the body, window, and seat frames. The entire package, including the body and chassis, weighed less than 4,000 pounds. During extensive testing, the prototype's gearbox overdriven top gear was found to be unsuitable for the RPMs offered by the engine. In response. It was replaced by a direct-ratio top gear and lower axle ratio, offering better high-speed touring and well-spaced gear changes for city driving.

Between May 1952 and April 1955, 207 production Continentals were built. Mulliner was tasked with crafting bodies for 193 of those, giving them variations of their prototype design, which was dubbed the Sports Saloon. The Mulliner-bodied R-Type Continental was a build-to-order package that had a price tag of $18,000.

This particular example, chassis number BC16LA, is the 15th R-Type Continental produced as part of the inaugural A-Series and as a left-hand drive model. This car is one of only twenty-four Continentals built in 1953. The car was ordered with an extensive list of special features, including special H.J. Mulliner lightweight seat frames, sealed-beam headlamps, high-frequency horns, fog lamps in front of the standard center driving lamp, and American flasher-type turn indicators. The Wilmot Breedon 'export'-type steel bumpers were noted to be fitted an inch further forward than standard. This was also the first R-Type Continental with the optional center gear change, rather than the standard steering column-mounted shift lever.

After the car was put through testing, the car was shipped to San Francisco via the S.S Loch Garth on January 15, 1953, for display by West Coast dealer Kjell Qvale. The original owner was Svante Magnus Swenson. Swenson returned the car to England in 1954 and then flew it to Le Touquet, France, on April 26, 1954.

In 1965, the car was retrofitted with an updated larger engine of a 3¾-inch bore, and the original engine, BCA15, is reported to have been installed in another chassis. Later in like, the car was put into storage, where it would remain for many years before being sold to a new owner who would direct its painstaking re-commissioning. The car was later sold to James Patterson before entering its current ownership.

The car is finished in black over brown. Under the engine is its BCA15 engine, indicating either incorrect previous registry data or a reinstallation of the original powerplant.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC39LC
Engine number: BCC38

When it was launched, the Bentley R-Type Continental was the world's most expensive production car, capable of achieving over 120 mph. The elegant fastback body was developed by H.J. Mulliner in conjunction with Rolls-Royce designer John Blatchley, formerly of Gurney-Nutting. The aerodynamic design was first seen in 1951 on the prototype Continental nicknamed 'Olga' and is widely regarded as one of the most attractive to grace any postwar Bentley. Sharing many components with the MK VI saloon, the Continental chassis was assembled together with the 4.5-liter straight-six engine in Crewe. Then the vast majority of the 208 chassis were transported to London and fitted with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner.

This left-hand drive B Series model was delivered to its Belgian owner on Christmas Day in 1953, and it was the Brussels Motor Show car in 1954.

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC25A
Engine number: BCA24

Among the post-war Bentleys one of the most iconic would be the Continentals, and, none would be better than those clothed with bodies designed and built by H.J. Mulliner. But even among the Continentals there would be one series that would be even more desirable. This particular chassis, BC25A would have all of the desirables in spades; a fitting transport for a shipping baron.

Aristotle Onassis had become a shipping owner during the Second World War and, by the early 1950s, would head up the largest privately-owned shipping fleet in the world. Involved in business dealings in each and every corner of the globe, Onassis was one of the world's richest and most influential men. A man who greatly enjoyed finery, the Greek shipping baron had fine and exacting taste, and this included automobiles.

Developed prior to the Second World War, the Corniche would become the famed R-Type. It would be upon this chassis that H.J. Mulliner would be called upon to design and build a car for Onassis. Using alloys, the body would weigh less than a thousand pounds. The four-passenger body Fastback Sports Saloon prototype would be fitted to the frame and would make for an impressive touring automobile that would look as much a sports car as a fine luxury automobile.

Autocar magazine would name the Onassis Sports Saloon as a 'modern magic carpet.' The prototype would be an amalgamation like no other and would set itself apart from all the other Continentals ever to be produced. Including a custom package costing some $18,000, it would be of little surprise Onassis spared nearly no expense at all to create this remarkable automobile.

The Fastback Saloon would be delivered to Onassis on April of 1953 and would remain with the shipping magnate until 1959 when it would become the property of George Cahan.

The same year in which J.F.K. would die that terrible death in Dallas, BC25A would be sold to Peter Satori, an exotic car dealer based in California. Therefore, the Bentley would make its way to the United States where it would remain for the next twenty-plus years.

Jules Heumann, who was the long-time chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, would become the car's next owner. How fitting it would be that the chairman of what is now the largest concours would drive around in such a unique Bentley.

Sadly, Heumann would suffer an accident in the car and would end up parting ways with the car. Thankfully, the car would be repaired and would soon find another home, this time with James Dunbar of San Mateo. This would take place in 1972.

Two years later, the car would be sold to Kent Wakeford, a well-known cinematographer in Hollywood. Two years after that the car would be sold to Charles Anker. Anker would retain the Bentley for nearly 15 years, but then, in 1988, the car would be purchased by its present owner and would make a return journey to England.

Soon after buying the car, the current owner would have the car restored at Vintage Motorworks in Miami, Florida. Following the completion of the restoration efforts, the car would return to England where it would remain for a quarter-century.

Complete in Tudor Grey and Maroon leather, the original look of the car when delivered to Mr. Onassis, the Bentley features minor touches of chrome brightwork that take the simplicity of the design and elevates its place equal to that of Onassis' private island or 325-foot yacht Christina O.

One of the few A-Series Continentals and a former chariot of Onassis, the 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon would be one of many highlights for RM Sotheby's 2015 Monterey auction. Estimates prior to auction had the Bentley earning between $1,000,000 to $1,200,000.

by Jeremy McMullen

Drophead Victoria by Park Ward & Co.

This 1953 Bentley is one of seven left hand drive models. The body style is a Drophead Victoria and it was built by Park Ward. The car features sealed beam headlights, export bumpers, white sided tires, a medium wave radio, an automatic gearbox and a high frequency horn. There is a compartment in each door which contains the original crystal decanters and glasses as well as the original Schweppes Tonic Water and a wine opener. The car was originally purchased by F.A. J. Masden of Rhode Island in 1956. It passed through owners residing in the US, the UK and Spain. In 2014, it returned stateside and was restored and subsequently purchased by the current owners.

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC9C

Bentley introduced the first production R-Type Continental Fastback chassis in 1952, a year after the prototype OLGA. Despite its name, the two-door Continental was intended principally for the British market; only 43 left-hand drive cars were built for export.

This car is one of 208 R-Type Continentals built at the Rolls-Royce factory at Crewe and delivered to H.J. Mulliner to be fitted with this unique Sports Saloon body featuring upswept rear wings with one-piece chrome taillamps and cutaway rear spats. Completed in 1954, the car was delivered to golfer Philip Scrutton, who won the Brabazon Trophy three times in four years and competed in the Walker Cup twice. In May of 1955 the car was sold to Stanley Hailwood, father of the motorcycle champion 'Mike the Bike.' Stanley showed the car at the Cannes Concours d'Elegance and toured with it in the south of France. It went to Australia in 1968 but returned to England in 2015.

Saloon
Chassis number: B157UL

This Bentley R-Type is a right-hand drive example that is finished in two-tone Brown paint. It has a brown leather upholstery, burl wood dash, Lucas fog lights, AM radio, and Smiths instrumentation. The engine is a 4.6-liter 6-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC16LA
Engine number: BCA15

This is the 15th of just 24 Continental Sports Sedans built in 1953 and slated for U.S. delivery. It is powered by a 4.9-liter six-cylinder engine and is fitted with a comprehensive list of special features including lightweight Mulliner seat frames, sealed beam headlights, high-frequency horns, fog lamps, special bumpers and U.S. compliant blinking turn signals. It is the first 'R-Type' with a center floor-mounted gear-change lever rather than the traditional column shift and one the very few with left-hand drive. Coachwork is by H.J. Mulliner.

It returned to England early in 1954 and then to Le Touquet, France in the spring. It remained in France with its owner until 1965 when it was sold and returned to America.

Sedanca Coupe by James Young

The Bentley R-Type was introduced in 1952, replacing the first postwar Bentley, the almost identical Mark VI. Although the Bentley R-Type's 'standard steel' saloon body accounted for the bulk of production, customers could still opt for a coach-built alternative such as this James Young-bodied Sedanca Coupe. Based just outside London, James Young bodied many exclusive chassis during the 1930s and exhibited their first postwar coachwork designs at the London Motor Show in 1948. This unique R-Type was built for the American oilman and patron of the arts, Charles B. Wrightsman. After two years, it was sold to John Ballantine of the whiskey family, and three years later its third owner was Frank Lloyd Wright, who used the car while he was in New York completing work on the Guggenheim Museum. The car came to California the year after his death in 1959. Its current owner acquired the car in 1994 in rather sorry condition and a complete restoration was begun. Its post-restoration debut was at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and it has rarely been shown since. In 2021, it returned to the Pebble Beach Concours where it competed in the Postwar Touring class.

Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC1LB
Engine number: BCB1

The Type R Continental Bentley was introduced as the 'Continental Sports Saloon' in 1952. Bentley worked closely with H.J. Mulliner to develop a lightweight performance version of the postwar Mark VI Bentley. By using aluminum panels, the weight was cut form 4,078 pounds for the standard sedan to 3,739 pounds. It was the fastest 4-psasenger vehicle in the world at introduction, capable of 120 miles per hour.

This model has the upgraded 4.9 liter, water-cooled, F-Head (overhead inlet-side exhaust), 6-cylinder engine, with a center shift 4-speed manual gearbox. It is believed that fewer than 10 units were built to these specifications.

It was re-built/rebodied by the Bentley factory and H.J. Mulliner in 1954 and returned to the first owners with a fresh warranty.

Drophead Coupe by Hermann Graber
Chassis number: B82SR

This Bentley was originally reported to have received two-door fixed-head bodywork by Carrosserie Graber, yet it was shown at the 1953 Geneva Auto Show as a Kabriolett (a 'convertible') and that was also its dress when delivered. Its first owner was E. Weiss of the Swiss bank named Banque Weiss. By 1971 the Coupe was for sale in England, but it soon made its way to Japan where it has been since 1973. It was owned by the Wakui Museum from 1998 to 2010, and it was exhibited at the 2007 Tokyo Concours d'Elegance. The current owner purchased it in 2016.

In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley. From that point, the two marques began to show similarities, such as design and mechanics. By the mid 1950's, the marques were mostly the same except for badging and engine. The R-Type's are memorable because they were still their own distinct model.

In 1952 at the Earls Court Motor Show, Bentley displayed their R-Type model. Bodywork was mostly handled by H.J. Mulliner and was available as a two-door Continental or Saloon. The Continental's featured a 4566 cc engine which was later increased to 4887 cc. The inline-six cylinder engine had dual SU carburetors, cast-iron cylinder blocks and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard with a 4-speed automatic being offered as optional equipment. Servo-assisted drum brakes provided the stopping power.

The predecessor the R-Type was the Mark VI which had been produced from 1946 through 1952. The customers of the Mark VI complained that there was insufficient luggage space. In 1952, this issue was addressed and the cargo space was increased. Originally, the Mark VII name was to be used but Jaguar had already secured rights to the name. They were marketed as Bentley Sports Saloons and later were given the designation R-Type. This was because the vehicle that replaced this series was the S-Type, the next in the succession.

The Continental bodies were mostly two-doors, light aluminum alloy, and aerodynamic. A few of the R-Type Continentals received coachwork courtesy of Graber or Franay. Only one Continental was bodied by the famous Pininfarina. The body designs were tested in the Rolls-Royce aircraft engine wind tunnels to determine maximum aerodynamics. The gearbox was a close-ratio unit matted to a highly tuned engine. In 1955 the production of the R-Type ceased and was replaced by the S-Series.

The R-Type Continentals were sports sedans that were excellent for touring. Their aerodynamic and stylish bodies, coupled to a potent drive-train, and luxurious interior was the complete package. In modern times, these are highly sought after.

by Dan Vaughan

Following WWII, the British faced a sobering time during the early 1950s. Commodities and luxuries that were once commonplace, were still subject to rationing. Taxes continued to be piled on the British people, and frozen wages kept inflation in a constant battle.

Following a decade of prolonged asceticism, the petrol rationing was finally lifted on May 26th 1950. The British motorist was once again given the option to drive his or her car as frequently as they liked. An all-time record, as described by the AA, the traffic packed a solid ten miles out of London following the lift of the rationing.

The director of Bentley's Experimental Department, Chief Project Engineer Ivan Everden began working on a top-secret project in 1950 known as Corniche II. His goal was to create a two door, four-seater grand touring vehicle that was speed-driven, yet refined. This vehicle would eventually become the famous R-Type Continental.

One of the most beautiful vehicles in British automobile history, the Bentley Continental R is considered to be the ultimate in post-war Bentleys. In 1939, a year before the WWII, a Parisian, Andre Embiricos, was interested in a special Bentley. Built by boutique French coachbuilder Pourtout and styled by Frenchman Georges Paulin, who was responsible for designing the streamlined bodywork with the extensive wind-tunnel testing, the Bentley and Rolls Royce engineers developed the experimental 'Continental'.

A phenomenally advanced vehicle, this was a revolutionary looking 4-liter Bentley, called the ‘Embiricos Bentley'. With it's mechanical advancements, stream0lined design and lightweight coachwork, it was considered to be a true ‘super-car' forty years before the term was even coined.

It wasn't until years later in 1951, when the actual production model of the Bentley Continental began development in cooperation with Mulliner coachbuilders. Considered to be worth the wait, it was more than 20 years after Rolls-Royce took over Bentley in 1931 before a new sporty model was introduced by the new owners. The R-type Bentley Continental was produced from 1952 until 1955 with only a total of 208 units ever being produced.

Establishing the pattern for which to build upon, Ivan Rvernden would use the earlier vehicle as a model when given the go-ahead to develop the R-Type Continental. At the time, the management was divided in the opinion of whether the market was ready for such an expensive and high-powered vehicle. The debut of the R-type was made in 1952, and the world experienced Bentley amazing achievement, a luxurious vehicle that would surpass the performance of many sports cars.

The look of the R-Type Continental was one of the most striking things about it. With raised front wings that swept across the doors, before tucking into the rear of the vehicle, curved windscreen, smooth fastback, and fin-like rear wings all-together made a breathtaking car.

Designed by coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner, who used only slightly modified versions of the existing Bentley Mk VI saloon car's chassis, the result was the extremely fast, expensive, and exclusive Continental R. 193 models were bodied by HJ Mulliner. Similar to all the best 1930's Bentleys, the Continental R came with two passenger doors and a full four-seater package that was superbly detailed. The bulky, yet sleek shell of the R-type contained the combination of high horsepower and remarkable aerodynamic performance.

With a weight of only 340 kilograms, the streamlined bodywork was composed fully of aluminum alloy. The Continental R had a very impressive stopping-power and was equipped with servo-assisted drum-brakes. With a capacity of 150 bhp, the first production series of the R-type was equipped with a 4566 cc. cast-iron six-cylinder engine, while the last series had an approximate 175 bhp as the engine was bored up to 4887 cc engine.

Everything was done to lessen the weight of the four-seater luxury car. By replacing the non-standard tires and bodywork with aluminum body panels transformed it to a revolutionary light alloy frame. Also, bucket seats now replaced the bulky armchairs of before. A radio was fitted only at the customer's request, as every ounce mattered on this vehicle. Performance modifications to the R-type included a specially modified exhaust, raised compression ratio and performance to an impressing high. Able to reach a quarter of a mile in 19.5 seconds was an amazing achievement in the fifties.

With a sharp tapering tail, the Continental R still carried the prestigious Bentley radiator grille and was considered to be a vehicle for the ‘sportsman' who enjoyed driving far and fast. The vehicle had a top speed between 115 and 118 mph, and was a front engine, rear-drive with a separate chassis. The engine was low-revving, the controls and steering was heavy, and the fuel consumption was fierce. Nothing was held back on this car, the interior was filled with leather, carpet and wood, and high performance was the most important factor. Every component of the Bentley Continental R, especially the interior trim, was of the finest quality.

In 1952 the Continental R was sold for £7,608 and all of the Bentley Continental R's were built for export. The price was part of the appeal, it was considered to be quite the rage to own, the ultimate automotive status symbol. The R-type Continental was a marvelous car by any standards, and not only looked good, but was also extremely fast.

These cars have long outlived their first owners, and the majority of them are raced highly competitively today in rallies. Remaining an automotive icon half a century later, the Bentley Continental R is considered to be on of few vehicles that can by truly called a design classic.

by Jessican Donaldson