1953 Bentley R Type

The R Type is the second series of post-war Bentley automobiles, replacing the Mark VI regarded by many as the most elegant car Bentley ever produced. As with its predecessor, a standard body was available as well as coachbuilt versions by firms including H. J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Harold Radford and Freestone and Webb amongst others.

All Bentley R-Types were propelled by a 6 cylinder engine fed by twin SU Type H6 carburetors. The basic engine displaced 4.6L and, as with this car, was generally mated to a 4-speed manual transmission.

Finished in Tudor Grey over Shell Grey with a Grey leather interior the colour combination of this car is very stylish. It is a handsome and commanding vehicle from every angle with a level of detail only achieved by Bentley craftsmen. Fitted with manual transmission as standard with a 4-speed automatic option becoming available on later cars. A four door saloon with automatic transmission tested by the British magazine, The Motor, in 1953 had a top speed of 101.7mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 13.25 seconds.

Restored to an exceptionally high standard in 2014, a change of circumstance in the owners plans and more time being spent overseas means the car is reluctantly now offered for sale. The engine is smooth and quiet delivering outstanding power and performance. It holds good oil pressure at 30psi as you would expect. The manual gearbox transmission engages slickly and transfers through the box with relative ease. It is shod with radial tyres.

Believed to have been the property of two gentlemen in the UK in the 1950s before passing to an engineer and oil man from Texas where it remained until 2004 when the car again passed to a Mrs. Allison (Dolores) Davis, a member of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club and, we believe, Vice President of the club's Texas branch.

The restoration was thorough, and included having the entire body stripped back to bare metal and the floor, wings, sunroof, doors, bonnet and boot lid removed and repaired where necessary. The whole car was then professionally prepared and painted in it's original colours of Tudor Grey over Shell Grey to Rolls-Royce colour references. The chassis was renovated and repaired where required before protecting with Waxoyle and stone chip paint. Cosmetically on the exterior, the windscreen was replaced, headlamps re-silvered and re-chromed or replaced, brightwork repaired and re-chromed or replaced. The door and window mechanics were serviced. Finally, the car was rebuilt with new seals to the lights, brightwork, boot, doors, windows, bonnet and sunroof for longevity. The interior received similar attention and the seats were re-trimmed in beautiful Italian grey leather upholstery, with a grey cloth headlining and Wilton carpets completing the job. The woodwork was re-veneered and polished by ex Rolls-Royce craftsmen and finally the steering wheel refurbished. The cabin now also boasts a new "Retrosound" radio with bluetooth music streaming and hands free telephone.

Mechanical work to this car included a full engine service, naturally, but also an overhaul of the front suspension, including new king pins, bushes, trunion joints and top joints. The brakes were overhauled, as was the ignition system including new coils and HT leads. A new cooling fan was fitted to cope with modern traffic, and a new exhaust manifold, studs and stainless steel exhaust system are now in place.

This impressive Bentley is sold with a UK V5C, MOT exemption, build sheets, handbook, workshop manual and a range of memorabilia and invoices. A fine example of the marque.