1954 Bentley R-Type Continental – Classified of the Week

Classic cars can be, and often are, utterly beautiful. Styled by human beings, not wind tunnels, classics are the embodiment of a designer’s vision in the purest sense. These wheeled beauties are drawings brought to life without compromise. They are rolling works of art. While driving them is of course a huge part of the attraction, classic cars can also be seen as art and as such, can be appreciated when simply parked up. Cars like the Jaguar E Type, the Ferrari Daytona and of course, this, the Bentley R Type Continental are an unabashed treat for the eyes.

The Bentley R Type Continental with its long, flowing lines and acres of chrome was the epitome of vehicular luxury. In the guise as selected here, namely the coupe designed and built by H. J. Mulliner & Co, the R Type was and still is one of the most spectacular looking machines the world has ever seen. It’s imposing, yet elegant. Sporty yet sturdy. Beautiful yet a behemoth.

The car we’re looking at here, chassis number BC20C, was built in December 1953. Masons Black exterior with contrasting burgundy hide interior handle the looks, while a 4,566cc straight-six engine mated to a manual gearbox takes care of the pace.

This has to be one of the finest examples available, and comes complete with highly extensive history documenting restoration work, service work and even correspondence from Rolls Royce with detailed technical drawings.

The Continental was supplied by Charles Atwood and Son Ltd to its first owner, Mr B P Jenks. After Mr Jenks, the car was owned by Sir Henry Spurrier in 1956, S R H Clarke in 1962 and then, in 1971, it fell into the hands of Flight Lieutenant T N Allen, who would go on to own the car for some forty years.

Flt Lt Allen was a man of changing tastes though, and during his ownership the Bentley went through several different guises. Firstly, it was painted white and re-trimmed in grey, then in 1997, Classic Restorations of Alyth repainted the car Jaguar Metallichrome Blue.

It was after the Lieutenant’s ownership that the Bentley was taken back to factory specification. This was over the course of 2014/2015, and as such, the car is immaculate today. The car was given a complete mechanical overhaul, the body was painted, the carpets, headlining and wood were all refreshed and the final result of all that work is, as you can see, outstanding.

What you’re getting here is, in essence, a five year-old 1953 car, which is quite something. There probably isn’t a better Continental out there. This is as close and as pure to the original specification and build as is possible. No expense has been spared in the upkeep of this car, and as such, it’s one of the finest automobiles money can buy.