1954 Bentley R-Type 4.9-Litre Continental Fastback Sports Saloon
1954 Bentley R-Type 4.9-Litre Continental Fastback Sports Saloon
Coachwork by H J Mulliner
Registration no. RXY 3
Chassis no. BC38D
Engine no. BCD37 Body no. 5752
• One of only 208 produced
• Automatic transmission
• Original colour scheme
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 1980
• Extensive mechanical refurbishment in 2014
• Recent cylinder head overhaul
"The vocabulary of motoring being a lame and limited thing, it is difficult to put into words the gulf that separates a Continental from the average car in all the qualities that have a bearing on safety at speed. In acceleration, in braking, in cornering power, in roadholding, in responsiveness to the controls, this Bentley is the equal of modern racing cars, and superior to some." – Raymond Mays, The Autocar, 2nd October 1953.
Described by The Autocar as, "A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley," the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction in 1952 on the R-Type chassis. Of all-welded construction, the latter enabled the incorporation of a much-needed improvement to Rolls-Royce's standard bodywork in the shape of an enlarged boot together with associated changes to rear wings and suspension. The standard R-Type was a lively performer, achieving 106mph in silence and reaching 50mph from standstill in 10 seconds despite a kerb weight approaching two tons.
The Continental raised this already superlative combination of high performance and exceptional refinement to hitherto unattained levels. Unlike the ordinary 'standard steel' R-Type, the Continental was bodied in the traditional manner and first appeared with what many enthusiasts consider to be the model's definitive style of coachwork - the lightweight, aluminium, wind tunnel-developed fastback of H J Mulliner. In developing the Continental, Bentley Motors made every effort to keep its weight to the minimum, knowing that this was the most effective way to achieve the maximum possible performance.
Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust engine had been enlarged from 4,257cc to 4,556cc in 1951, and as installed in the Continental benefited from an increase in compression ratio - the maximum power output, of course, remained unquoted but has been estimated at around 153bhp. As the Continental matured, there was – inevitably – an 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 Continental's performance figures would have been considered excellent for an out-and-out sports car but for a full four/five seater saloon they were exceptional: a top speed of 120mph, 100mph achievable in third gear, 50mph reached in a little over 9 seconds, and effortless cruising at the 'ton'.
Built for export only at first, the Continental was, once delivery charges and local taxes had been paid, almost certainly the most expensive car in the world as well as the fastest capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. "The Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started," concluded Autocar.
Chassis number 'BC38D' was completed on 26th August 1954 and left the factory finished in Regal Red with beige interior trim and equipped with automatic transmission. Other notable features specified included sun visors covered in leather; armrests; slit pockets in doors; and an organ type accelerator pedal offset ¾" to the right. Sold via George Newman & Co, the Continental was first owned by one Sam Harris and originally carried the registration 'YY 1'. The Bentley Continental Register lists a further eight owners including our vendor, who acquired the car in January 1980 (see file). The registration was changed to 'RXY 3' in 1956. The Register records an engine overhaul by A D Forshaw in January 1970; a gearbox replacement in 1972; and a respray in original livery circa 1972. The mileage total in January 1978 is recorded as 175,677.
Recent works by well known marque specialists Clark & Carter, whose most recent bill for £18,879 is dated August 2014 (inspection recommended). The amount reflects the extensive nature of the mechanical refurbishment carried out, which included a specialist repair of the cylinder block; replacing the water pump; replacing the front brake wheel cylinders; overhauling the brake servo; overhauling the front suspension; and repairing the exhaust system.
Used sparingly in recent years, the car has been professionally stored, rarely venturing out. Smartly presented and finished in the same colours as when built, the Continental has just returned from Ghost Motors following mechanical repairs to the engine's cylinder head. An owner's handbook comes with it.
With its outstanding aerodynamic coachwork, developed by Rolls-Royce stylist John Blatchley in collaboration with coachbuilder H J Mulliner, the R-Type Continental fastback remains the pinnacle of Bentley's achievements in the post-war era.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
1954 Bentley R-Type 4.9-Litre Continental Fastback Sports Saloon
Coachwork by H J Mulliner
Registration no. RXY 3
Chassis no. BC38D
Engine no. BCD37 Body no. 5752
• One of only 208 produced
• Automatic transmission
• Original colour scheme
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 1980
• Extensive mechanical refurbishment in 2014
• Recent cylinder head overhaul
"The vocabulary of motoring being a lame and limited thing, it is difficult to put into words the gulf that separates a Continental from the average car in all the qualities that have a bearing on safety at speed. In acceleration, in braking, in cornering power, in roadholding, in responsiveness to the controls, this Bentley is the equal of modern racing cars, and superior to some." – Raymond Mays, The Autocar, 2nd October 1953.
Described by The Autocar as, "A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley," the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction in 1952 on the R-Type chassis. Of all-welded construction, the latter enabled the incorporation of a much-needed improvement to Rolls-Royce's standard bodywork in the shape of an enlarged boot together with associated changes to rear wings and suspension. The standard R-Type was a lively performer, achieving 106mph in silence and reaching 50mph from standstill in 10 seconds despite a kerb weight approaching two tons.
The Continental raised this already superlative combination of high performance and exceptional refinement to hitherto unattained levels. Unlike the ordinary 'standard steel' R-Type, the Continental was bodied in the traditional manner and first appeared with what many enthusiasts consider to be the model's definitive style of coachwork - the lightweight, aluminium, wind tunnel-developed fastback of H J Mulliner. In developing the Continental, Bentley Motors made every effort to keep its weight to the minimum, knowing that this was the most effective way to achieve the maximum possible performance.
Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust engine had been enlarged from 4,257cc to 4,556cc in 1951, and as installed in the Continental benefited from an increase in compression ratio - the maximum power output, of course, remained unquoted but has been estimated at around 153bhp. As the Continental matured, there was – inevitably – an 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 Continental's performance figures would have been considered excellent for an out-and-out sports car but for a full four/five seater saloon they were exceptional: a top speed of 120mph, 100mph achievable in third gear, 50mph reached in a little over 9 seconds, and effortless cruising at the 'ton'.
Built for export only at first, the Continental was, once delivery charges and local taxes had been paid, almost certainly the most expensive car in the world as well as the fastest capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. "The Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started," concluded Autocar.
Chassis number 'BC38D' was completed on 26th August 1954 and left the factory finished in Regal Red with beige interior trim and equipped with automatic transmission. Other notable features specified included sun visors covered in leather; armrests; slit pockets in doors; and an organ type accelerator pedal offset ¾" to the right. Sold via George Newman & Co, the Continental was first owned by one Sam Harris and originally carried the registration 'YY 1'. The Bentley Continental Register lists a further eight owners including our vendor, who acquired the car in January 1980 (see file). The registration was changed to 'RXY 3' in 1956. The Register records an engine overhaul by A D Forshaw in January 1970; a gearbox replacement in 1972; and a respray in original livery circa 1972. The mileage total in January 1978 is recorded as 175,677.
Recent works by well known marque specialists Clark & Carter, whose most recent bill for £18,879 is dated August 2014 (inspection recommended). The amount reflects the extensive nature of the mechanical refurbishment carried out, which included a specialist repair of the cylinder block; replacing the water pump; replacing the front brake wheel cylinders; overhauling the brake servo; overhauling the front suspension; and repairing the exhaust system.
Used sparingly in recent years, the car has been professionally stored, rarely venturing out. Smartly presented and finished in the same colours as when built, the Continental has just returned from Ghost Motors following mechanical repairs to the engine's cylinder head. An owner's handbook comes with it.
With its outstanding aerodynamic coachwork, developed by Rolls-Royce stylist John Blatchley in collaboration with coachbuilder H J Mulliner, the R-Type Continental fastback remains the pinnacle of Bentley's achievements in the post-war era.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Similar Items
