Car & Classic Premium Auctioneer

Bonhams

101 New Bond Street London

W1S 1SR

1953 Bentley Continental 4.9-litre Sports Saloon For Sale by Auction

- Just 208 produced and one of only 25 A-series models
- Manual transmission and well specified example
- Long-term ownership and much history known from new
- More powerful 'S' series engine, rebuilt 10, 000 miles ago

Please click the link to view a video of this lot: click here

The magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high-speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction in 1952. Unlike the ordinary 'standard steel' R-Type, the Continental was bodied in the traditional coachbuilt 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 collaboration with Rolls-Royce stylist John Blatchley.

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. A four-speed manual gearbox was the only one on offer until early 1954 when the first automatic transmission Continentals left the factory.

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 magic '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.

One of the first 25 cars built on the Mark VI chassis, 'BC22A' was supplied new via Garage de l'Athénée of Geneva, Switzerland and delivered to its first owner, Charles Gillett, on 21st July 1953. 'BC22A' left the factory finished in black with off-white trim, and was fitted with lightweight seats and, of course, the manual gearbox. A copy of this car's entry in the Bentley Continental Sports Saloon Register is on file, listing all its owners and revealing that in 1955 it belonged to one Leroy Little in the USA. The Continental went on to have a further eight owners in the USA and one in Canada before its acquisition by the current UK-based private collector in late 2003.

Its Canadian owner, William Nicholson, had acquired the Bentley in 1972 and fitted it with a Rolls-Royce radiator among other modifications, which included the installation of a tuned S-series engine, twin exhausts and one-piece tail lamps, apparently inspired by Ian Fleming's description of James Bond's Continental. Fleming of course was an avid fan of the Continental and ran an example on UK roads for six-months that was originally ordered by his overseas domiciled old school friend. 'BC22A' was subsequently completely dismantled for a body-off restoration and remained so for many years.

In 1993 the Bentley passed to Gary Schenkelberg and next to Mark Clark, who restored it in 1996, refitting the original Bentley radiator and tail lamps. The tuned engine was retained. Bentley had been looking to improve the performance of the engine throughout the period of Continental production. Between 1952 and 1954 they used the B60 engine of 4, 566cc followed by the B61 of 4, 887cc. In 1955 Bentley introduced an improved 'OPWAS' cylinder head, which this car's engine has ('OPWAS' was merely the factory label attached to the newly developed cylinder head in 1955). The 'OPWAS' 'head had better ports, improved combustion chambers, and a higher compression ratio; it was not standard, but a special option.

Many of the 4½-litre cars were upgraded to 4. 9 litres in later years either at the factory or at their appointed distributors. The final incarnation of this six-cylinder engine was the B61/ S for the 'S' series in 1956. This 4. 9-litre engine incorporated the 'OPWAS' cylinder head as standard and also benefited from developments pioneered on the Rolls-Royce B81 military engine: full-length steel cylinder liners; lighter pistons; stronger connecting rod bolts; and hardened exhaust valve seats. It is estimated that the power output was now 178bhp (nett); this is the engine fitted to 'BC22A'. Other desirable additional features include the following: Air conditioning, front lap seat belts, radial tyres, stove enamelled chassis (since 1996 body-off restoration), free-flow exhaust manifold, high-pressure fuel pump, additional electric radiator cooling fan, in-period Harvey Bailey handling kit (rear anti-roll bar; stiffer front anti-roll bar), alternator (original dynamo available), tailored car storage cover, comprehensive period tool-kit tray. It also has an MoT, valid to 25 October, 2021.

BC22A has covered 16, 500 miles following its return to Europe in the early 2000s ? almost all within the present ownership. The vendor and his wife have taken part in two Bentley Driver's Club tours to the South of France during this period, both entirely fault free. Despite its fifties pedigree, this car is quite capable of covering huge distances, and coping with all the vagaries of modern road travel. The engine was rebuilt in 2007 at 21, 700 miles, while the odometer reading at time of cataloguing was 31, 332 miles.

A desirable early and rare A-series model with the much sought after lightweight seats and the manual transmission, finished in arguably the nicest colour combination of all. It has been well cared for while in enthusiast vendor's long-term ownership since 2003 ? mostly with respected marque specialists RR&B Garages ? and is presented in generally excellent overall condition, although some paint has lifted in isolated areas due to electrolytic reaction between the alloy body and other metal. Boasting an engine more powerful than standard and equipped with numerous other very sensible upgrades enhancing both reliability and the driving experience, this delightful Continental is the perfect acquisition for the enthusiastic owner/ driver.

With its outstanding aerodynamic coachwork, the Continental fastback remains the pinnacle of Bentley's achievements in the post-war era and today grace the garages of many of the world's leading connoisseur collectors.

This car is to be auctioned at our 'The Bond Street Sale' auction.

AUCTION TIMES
Wednesday 16 December, starting at 17:00pm

VIEWING
4-16 December by appointment at Classic Car Storage (CCS), Petersfield
Call or message to arrange an appointment to view.

In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view.

LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from our New Bond Street Saleroom. No Lots will be on view at New Bond Street. All bidding will be conducted either live in the Saleroom or via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding.

Please contact our Bids Department to register by clicking 'Message the seller'.

COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
Cars are to be collected from CCS by 5pm on Friday 18 December thereafter storage will be charged at £14/ day (+vat).

Please message us with your collection or transport instructions as soon as possible following your successful bid. Failure to instruct Bonhams by the given time will result in your vehicle being stored at your expense, as detailed in the Conditions of Sale. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Rare Bentley S1 (one of 169 unit produced in LHD) with power steering wheel on the left and speedometer in km all renovated in 2020 original leather, woodwork, carpets, mechanics, rear axle and brakes restored. Automatic gearbox (4 speeds), engine 4,9 liters / 6 cylinders, I have all maintenance invoices since 1975. ...

88,000
9 Feb 2024
Switzerland
Private

First sold on the 21st October 1937 to Captain Wood - through then dealer called Macrae & Dick and subsequently delivered by rail on 16th December 1937 to him in Inverness for the grand sum of £1338.17. (from original RREC records copies held on file). This beautiful trophy winning car has undergone extensive restoration ...

79,179
18 Feb 2024
Berkshire
Private

Bentley Continental Gtc 6.0 Mulliner Driving Specification, Possibly the best example around for age, spec, condition and price. Later Model 63 reg, 21 " 6 Double Spoke Alloy Wheels in Black With Diamond Turned Finish , Message seats . Most Sought after Colour Combination, Onyx Black with Linen Quilted Leather Interior ...

34,240
13 Feb 2024
Hampshire
Private

1985 Bentley Continental Convertible. Vin Number: SCBZD0009FCH09440 Registration Number: B107FGTa Rare & beautiful. This is one of the first cars built to continental specification after the Corniche name was dropped for these convertible Bentleys. Moreover it was the Birmingham Motor Show car for Rolls Royce ...

75,000
18 Mar 2024
Northamptonshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

The Bentley Continental GT launched in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show, followed by Le Mans, the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the 2003 annual Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone. It is known as one of the most important Bentleys ever produced, and immediately received a good deal of critical acclaim. Powered ...

53,000
17 Mar 2024
Oxfordshire

1996 Bentley Brooklands, metallic Sherwood Green, only 45,000 miles from new, extended wood trim, Avon whitewall tyres, drives like new lovely car priced for quick sale, service history and MOT November 2024, Everything works and has intermittent airbag light Having Email problems please only call or msg on here sorry<br><br>Nice ...

45,000
27 Feb 2024
Essex
Private

1951 Bentley Mark VI Our MK VI is in outstanding condition, Full Engine rebuild circa 2010, the body also has had a back to metal restoration when returning to the UK, from Hong Kong, the colour was change from original grey to the current blue over black. Our Mk VI is in beautiful condition througout can be inspect ...

78,000
26 Mar 2024
Dorset
Private

Special order Amethyst Pearl, Magnolia hide, Blue carpets piped in Magnolia, Blue dash topper, Dark Walnut veneer, No. 98/100 special edition 'R' Mulliner spec cars to be made, Cherished by the last owner since 2006, Blue carpet mats and thick lambswool rugs, Ipod/USB/AUX ports, Rear entertainment, Bluetooth kit, A fantastic ...

34,000
8 Mar 2024
Yorkshire
32
Picture of 1997 Bentley Continental T (LHD) - For Sale

Incredible find! Just under 23,800 miles from new One of only 217 left hand drive Continental T’s built world wide Special order Carmine Red with two-tone St. James Red and Black interior Engine turned dashboard Complete with copies of factory records and lengthy service history The fastest Bentley available in ...

23,800
12 Mar 2024
London
Premium Verified Dealer (see stock)

Welcome, this is a perfect example of one of the last made Bentley Arnage's. 2009 Bentley Arnage T Mulliner 6.8 litre twin turbo, 500bhp / 737 lbs/ft. Full Mulliner spec. Grey with immaculate black leather just under 18,000 miles All usual Bentley extras. Full Bentley service history Bentley trickle charger included ...

18,000
29 Jan 2024
Kent
Private
20
Picture of 1998 Bentley Continental R - For Sale

Finished in Red Pearl Mica metallic, trimmed in Magnolia hide with contrasting red secondary detailing and red carpets. The interior colour scheme is complimented well by the traditional Burr Walnut veneered fascia. RR&B Garages have known this car since 2009 and supplied to the current owner in 2011. It has an excellent ...

52,500
11 Mar 2024
Worcestershire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

Bentley S2 registered in 1960, exported from England to California (USA) with number plate 3DWW745. Returned to Italy in 2008 where it was completely restored from the body to the engine/gearbox, unfortunately not documented. The car is in excellent condition both in bodywork and mechanics. With Certificate of Historical ...

16,000
26 Mar 2024
Italy
Private

For collectors of automotive masterpieces! Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone days with this rare gem of automotive history. This Bentley S3 Continental DHC ,a true icon of luxury and sophistication is seeking a new owner who appreciates the beauty and style of this timeless classic. With only a few examples ...

47,129
17 Feb 2024
Spain
Private

1996 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R COUPÉ Registration No: M800MES Chassis No: SCBZB15C3TCH53086 An immaculate low mileage coupe from a private collection. This car has covered just 46,500 miles from new & comes to us with a massive service history. Indeed the last service done by Bentley Berkshire in February of this ...

48,500
11 Mar 2024
Northamptonshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)