1953 BENTLEY R-TYPE SALOON                            Regis...

Hammer

£14,000

1953 BENTLEY R-TYPE SALOON                           

Registration Number: OGK 63
Chassis Number: B217UL 
Recorded Mileage: 18,000 miles

- First registered to Col. Sir Frederick Lindsay Coates
- Previously resided in the UK, Sweden and North America in the same ownership
- Four private owners from new, with two in 54 years   
               
The Mark VI was Bentley’s first post-war offering and also the first with 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 interesting 1953 example has clearly led a well-traveled life. The R-Type was first registered in November 1953, with the registration number “OI 1”, to Col.  Sir Frederick Lindsay Coates, finished in Masons Black over Shell with an optional automatic gearbox. Sir Frederick served in the Royal Tank Regiment in the 2nd World War before becoming assistant Military Attache to Stockholm from 1953 to 1956, thereafter being involved in the  British Joint Services Mission to Washington from 1956 to 1958. The Bentley went with its owner, to return and be once more registered in the autumn of 1958 to the Baronet’s address in Camberley, Surrey. 

By the early 1960s the R-Type resided with its second owner, Mr. John Oliver Ruffhead of Christchurch, Dorset. In 1973, according to handwritten notes on the back page of its handbook, the R-Type was subjected to a body-off restoration and engine rebuild. The Bentley was acquired by Dr. Duncan Empey in 1984 and was in his care for the next 34 years. During the 1990s and 2000s the R-Type was maintained by specialists The Fulham Workshop and Overton Vehicle Overhauls of Essex, with invoices on file for maintenance works, plus older MoT certificates. At some point the original colour scheme was replaced with the popular combination of Sand over Sable, which it wears today. The coachwork appears to be in sound condition although in need of some cosmetic attention in places. The leather interior is in preserved condition and shows a nice patina, with light cracking and discolouration to the leather here and there.

Offered with its original handbook, history file, UKV5 and with 18,000 miles recorded, this sensibly estimated example is a very worthwhile prospect for the Bentley enthusiast.