1954 BENTLEY R-TYPE 4½-LITRE SALOON Registration Number: 71...

Hammer

£13,000

1954 BENTLEY R-TYPE 4½-LITRE SALOON

Registration Number: 710 XVR
Chassis Number: B292YD  

Four speed automatic gearbox
Supplied in period by Frank Dale and Stepsons
Previous ownership for 10 years

The Mark VI was Bentley’s first post-war offering and also the first to offer a standard in-house design of body as opposed to being routinely shipped out to various coachbuilders at the time.

The Standard Steel Sports Saloon was the most popular variant, but of course rolling chassis were supplied to other coachbuilders, as such its successor, the R-type, also appeared in a variety of styles. The R Type was essentially the same vehicle but with a longer more commodious luggage compartment, balancing the overall visual impression of the car.

The engine grew from 4.2 to 4.6-litres in 1951 and would later expand to 4.9-litres in a very special variant, the famous aluminium-skinned R-type Continental. The R-Type as a whole offers good performance, comfort, space and style, and exceptional value for money.

This example rolled off the production line in the Autumn of 1954, fitted with the newly available Rolls/GM Hydramatic four-speed automatic transmission. The R-Type remained in Britain for some years before being traded by specialist dealer Frank Dale and Stepson, latterly being acquired in the United States by the previous owner 10 years ago before returning more recently to the UK.

The Bentley is finished in an attractive combination of green over gold metallic, with a nicely patinated beige leather interior which still presents well. We understand the roof of the car would benefit some attention to the finish, however generally speaking the paintwork presents well.

Supplied with an older New Jersey title, a US bill of sale and now with a newly acquired UK V5 document, this well priced classic Bentley is ready to return to the road once more.