Grand Prix Classics is offering this Bentley R-Type Continental for sale.
History:
Delivered new on August 27, 1953, to Mr. John Sands in the Netherlands in left hand drive configuration. Under the same Northern California ownership since 1991. On display at the Far Niente winery in Napa, California as part of the Gil Nickel – Jeremy Nickel collection.
Condition:
Striking in appearance in black with tan leather interior. Having been looked after by marque experts with routine service and upkeep. A very original and correct example with documented refurbishment during that time frame. Still with original engine, transmission. With rear wheel spats, aluminum seat frames, and column shift. Having just undergone a service, brake fluid flush, engine service and other upkeep it is ready for the local concourse or Bentley car rally.
Documents:
Owner’s manual, ownership records, service and refurbishment records.
Title:
On a clear California title and registration.
Of Note:
R Type Continental
The brainchild of Chief Projects Engineer Ivan Evernden and Chief Stylist John Blatchley, in designing the R Type Continental Fastback Saloon set a template that continues to inspire Bentley designers to this day. Described in period by Autocar magazine as ‘a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances’ the R Type Continental was the fastest four-seat luxury saloon in the world. Aerodynamics was a key goal in their design. The power of the 4,566cc, six-cylinder in-line engine was raised from 153bhp, and the transmission featured a higher final drive ratio. The prototype– OLG 490, nicknamed Olga – averaged 118.75 mph over five laps (with a best lap of just under 120mph) at the banked Montlhèry track near Paris.
To keep weight to a minimum coachbuilders HJ Mulliner crafted the bodywork, window frames, windscreen surround, backlight, seat frames and bumpers in aluminum. With this lightweight aerodynamic design and 153 HP, tire choice was critical; no standard road tire existed which could carry a two-ton car at speeds in excess of 115mph, and Dunlop Medium Distance Track tires were chosen. This special design, use of lightweight metals and hand-built coachwork was expensive to produce buy a stunning Bentley was produced.
The first production model was delivered to its owner in June 1952 and by the time production ended in 1955, 208 R Type Continentals had been made. Of these, 193 were bodied by HJ Mulliner. Others included Park Ward (four dropheads and two coupés), Franay (five), Graber (three) and Farina(one). Of those just 42 were built as left-hand drive vehicles.
Quotes:
From Johnnie Green author of “Bentley Fifty Years of the Marque”
“The R Type Continental became a classic in its own time and a collector’s piece without experience of which no connoisseur of motoring can consider his life complete”.
“The fastest 4 passenger saloon in the world”
“The most glamorous and expensive handmade car in the world”
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