• Comprehensive history file spanning over 40 years • Subject to a beautiful older restoration • Engine rebuild in 2006
The Background
Bentley, just like Rolls-Royce has forever been known as the epitome of luxury and the R-Type was by no means an exception. Its mechanics, superior for its time and fitted with a 4.5 litre iron block with aluminium-head straight-6 engine fed by twin SU carburettors, made it capable of a top-speed of 101.7 mph. Not bad for one of the world’s most luxurious four-door saloons of its time!
The family who purchased this car had spent a long time looking at R-Types before finding this exact example and snapped it up immediately. It was acquired with the intention of becoming a family heirloom so to speak, however unfortunately due to health reasons, they will from now on be spending the majority of the cooler seasons in warmer climates meaning that the car simply would not be used enough and thus needs to be sold.
First registered in April 11th 1953, without a doubt this beautifully preserved Bentley R-Type has benefitted from very fastidious and caring custodianship throughout its life, which is not only confirmed by the current condition of the vehicle, but also the extensive history file that comes with the car. Included in this history file is a purchase invoice of £47,000 from 2016. While this might seem like a lot of money for a Bentley R-Type, read on and you will find out why.
What makes this car particularly special, other than its flamboyant colour combination, is the cars comprehensive history file. It’s box file of invoices dating back to the 1970s gives us an idea of the level of love and care that #B27SP has received over the course of its life. Accompanying this is a copy of its original buff logbook and an impressive 29 MOT test certificates dating all the way back to 1981! These MOT’s confirm that the mileage in 1981 was 84,747 meaning that it has rolled over 99,999 to display todays reading of 6,795 at sometime between now and then.
Also recorded in the history file are some big bills for restoration work undertaken in the 90s which totalled a whopping £18,000. More recently in 2006 the engine was rebuilt at 91,500 miles to the tune of £8,360.
Clearly having been very well looked after since its comprehensive restoration in the 90s, the interior which is still in impeccable condition as you can see, was trimmed to a very high standard. Still retaining all of the necessary original features and beautiful wood trimmings, we can find no damage or wear at all. It is also important to note that the chrome is largely very good with some light signs of pitting.
Commensurate to the interior, the exterior is in lovely condition with only minor imperfection from use, nothing you wouldn’t expect and yet remarkable for a 90’s restoration.
As said by the owner of this beautiful machine himself, “the car is an absolute joy to drive “. As soon as you open the engine bay you can immediately tell that no corners have been cut regarding the maintenance of this gorgeous Bentley. It presents beautifully with everything not only where it should be, but also in fantastic condition.
Having done a mere few thousand miles since its engine rebuild in 2006, as well as its full restoration in the 90s, this Bentley has many years, and tens of thousands of miles worth of enjoyment to be had! To ensure that the car always starts on the button, a high performance ignition system by Jolley Engineering has been fitted.
Another noteworthy point is that this vehicle is fitted with the 1-shot lubrication system which will have been keeping all of the vital points well lubricated over the years, and will allow for easier maintenance for its future custodian.
If you’re in the market for a 50s Bentley, then why not go for one that has already had all the work done for you? Admittedly these cars are not for everyone, however if an R-type is your cup of tea, or you are the type of family who enjoy taking part in car shows or you are a collector who would like something slightly different, then this car can offer you a whole lot.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1953 Bentley R-Type 4 ½ Litre Saloon
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