1953 Bentley R-Type

The R-Type is the second series of post-war Bentley automobiles, replacing the Mark VI, and is 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.

We are delighted to offer a car with such a detailed history file, including some receipts going back to 1964, complete with the rare "buff log book" which indicates that it was dispatched from Crewe on 14th August 1953 with the registration number NYF 580. The log book, issued by Wolverhampton Council, lists a George Johnson Esq. as the registered keeper in 1961 before ownership then passed to Richard Williams Esq. in 1963, and invoices on file show that the car was sent back to Bentley Crewe in that year for an engine replacement. A Mr. John Jarvis bought the car in 1968, followed briefly by Wolverhampton Motor Services Ltd in 1969 before it was purchased by Mr. Horace Lester on the 30th May 1969 for the grand total of £400.00.

Mr. Lester spent considerable sums in maintaining the car, with receipts on file dating back to 1977. When our vendor bought the R-Type on the 5th February 1989 he undertook an extensive program of restoration, historical photos of which are on file. This restoration, according to the receipts accompanying the car, cost close to £15,000 in 1990. Keen to ensure that his recently restored Bentley smelt as good as it looked, Mr. Lester purchased eight tan 'Autolux' hides from Connolly Leather in 1990 for £1,137, joining a re-upholstery bill for £1,577 which included carpets and headlining. The remainder of the hides went to recover the seating on some of the other cars in the collection, including the Alvis TD21 we have in the sale.

Faultlessly maintained since then and used frequently, covering 10,000 miles last year, the R-Type presents well today, with the Tudor Grey over Oyster coachwork retaining a deep shine and the lovely interior totally reminiscent of fifties luxury. Presented to auction with a wonderful history file that includes petrol ration books from the 1950s, extensive receipts and invoices, an odometer reading of some 90,000 miles and an MOT until August 2017.