1953 Bentley R-Type Saloon, Registration no. UNV 940 Chassis no. B484SR
*Bentley R Type Saloon
*Good history
*Low mileage of only 43,000 miles
The Bentley R Type saloon is known for being one of the first super saloons ever produced. The car featured a torquey 4.5 litre 6-cylinder engine coupled with a 4 speed manual gearbox, and even today the car's performance is impressive considering it's nearly 70 years old.
This example has only had a handful of owners in the last 34 years, and comes with a full record of all works carried out in this time, (which are so comprehensive that a trunk has to accommodate them), during which the car has only completed 36,000 miles.
The works include a complete engine, clutch & radiator core rebuild by Hillier Hill Ltd (only 22,000 miles ago). A further mechanical and interior restoration was also carried out between 2007-2009 with a photographic record. A complete suspension and braking system overhaul has also been completed, with the car now featuring a continental high ratio rear axle for improved comfort. The interior has been previously stripped out, including veneers, carpets and the bulkhead – and the leather has been restored.
There is also a record of works undertaken by the previous owner, including routine servicing, a head gasket replacement, an original radio upgrade and a full set of new tyres. The original semaphore indicators still work, and for further safety modern indicators have been placed underneath the bumpers both front and back.
Hot or cold, the car runs smoothly and tours on motorways comfortably with the high ratio axle installed. The suspension is also very compliant and the brakes work as they should.
The paintwork has been changed over the years, for the original factory build records suggest that the car was was Masons Black with Tan interior originally. The current colour scheme is Tudor over Shell Grey with grey hides – with the records showing that this change was carried out prior to the 1980s. The paintwork is in very good condition bar a small ding on the rear bumper by the over rider. Overall, the car presents beautifully and harks back to a time gone by.
Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here
Vendor Score Total: 86/100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 19/25
Body Work: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 4
Paint: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 16/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Seats: 4
Trim: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 20/20
Mechanical components: 5
Running: 5
Starting: 5
Under Bonnet: 5
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 20/20
Axles: 5
Brakes: 5
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Suspension: 5
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10
Ancillary components: 4
Main components: 4
Car History File: 3
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*Bentley R Type Saloon
*Good history
*Low mileage of only 43,000 miles
The Bentley R Type saloon is known for being one of the first super saloons ever produced. The car featured a torquey 4.5 litre 6-cylinder engine coupled with a 4 speed manual gearbox, and even today the car's performance is impressive considering it's nearly 70 years old.
This example has only had a handful of owners in the last 34 years, and comes with a full record of all works carried out in this time, (which are so comprehensive that a trunk has to accommodate them), during which the car has only completed 36,000 miles.
The works include a complete engine, clutch & radiator core rebuild by Hillier Hill Ltd (only 22,000 miles ago). A further mechanical and interior restoration was also carried out between 2007-2009 with a photographic record. A complete suspension and braking system overhaul has also been completed, with the car now featuring a continental high ratio rear axle for improved comfort. The interior has been previously stripped out, including veneers, carpets and the bulkhead – and the leather has been restored.
There is also a record of works undertaken by the previous owner, including routine servicing, a head gasket replacement, an original radio upgrade and a full set of new tyres. The original semaphore indicators still work, and for further safety modern indicators have been placed underneath the bumpers both front and back.
Hot or cold, the car runs smoothly and tours on motorways comfortably with the high ratio axle installed. The suspension is also very compliant and the brakes work as they should.
The paintwork has been changed over the years, for the original factory build records suggest that the car was was Masons Black with Tan interior originally. The current colour scheme is Tudor over Shell Grey with grey hides – with the records showing that this change was carried out prior to the 1980s. The paintwork is in very good condition bar a small ding on the rear bumper by the over rider. Overall, the car presents beautifully and harks back to a time gone by.
Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here
Vendor Score Total: 86/100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 19/25
Body Work: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 4
Paint: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 16/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Seats: 4
Trim: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 20/20
Mechanical components: 5
Running: 5
Starting: 5
Under Bonnet: 5
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 20/20
Axles: 5
Brakes: 5
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Suspension: 5
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10
Ancillary components: 4
Main components: 4
Car History File: 3
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Time, Location
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