13th Mar, 2024 13:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 131
 

1954 Bentley R-Type Convertible
One-off body by McKenzie

Estimated at £45,000 - £65,000

Lot details

Registration No: RAS 832
Chassis No: B190YD
MOT: Exempt

  • One-off body by McKenzie
  • Recently repainted in striking Light Metallic Green
  • Interior upholstery and woodwork in stunning condition
  • Much recent expenditure

An obvious evolution of its MkVI predecessor, the Bentley R-Type was introduced at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. Subtly reworked from the previous model by in-house stylist John Blatchley, it boasted a notably larger boot and reprofiled rear wings. Switching from riveted to welded frame construction at chassis B349TO, the newcomer featured independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes (hydraulic front / rod rear). Powered by a 'big bore' 4566cc straight-six inlet-over-exhaust engine allied to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission, the R-Type was a surprisingly strong performer, able to reach more than 100mph. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its high-speed handling and well-appointed interior, the model remained in production until 1955 by which time some 2,017 Standard Steel Saloons are thought to have been made with many features the same as the R-Type continental.

Starting life as Standard Steel Saloon, this attractive and unusual Bentley was rebodied to special order as a two-door Fixed Head by McKenzie during the 1980s at a cost of £30,000 (a figure which would need to be multiplied several times over if a similar conversion were to be undertaken today). Still in Coupe guise when sold via one of our 2002 auctions, the R-Type was subsequently adapted into its current Convertible configuration. In recent years the car has been the subject of much improvement which now sees it finished in a striking Light Metallic Green with a sumptuous Cream leather interior and glossy Walnut veneers. Offered with a current V5C and a history file detailing, amongst others, much recent expenditure. Reportedly running and driving well, this one-off R-Type Convertible is ready to turn heads wherever she goes.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 13th Mar, 2024

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Venue Details 

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