Sold for £23,906
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: TMA 372
Chassis No: B145YA
MOT: Exempt
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.
Supplied new to Spirax-Sarco Engineering of Gloucestershire, this R-Type has been in the current family ownership since 2014 and is understood to have had just 8 former keepers. Subject to a gearbox and mechanical overhaul c.2015 and the fitting of Blockley tyres following a period of dry storage it has also benefited recently from attention to its braking system, a recent exhaust and fluid change. Now described as being in “Good” condition as regards its bodywork, paint, engine, transmission and beige interior, 'TMA 372' is accompanied by a collection of invoices dating back to the 1960s, old MOT certificates, original owner’s handbook, green logbook and copies of its factory records plus chassis cards and original sales invoice.
For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760
Auction: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, 16th Mar, 2022
AUCTION VENUE
Imperial War Museum
Duxford
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR
AUCTION VIEWING
Tuesday 15th March 2022 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 16th March 2022 from 9am
BUYERS PREMIUM
12.5% (plus VAT @ 20%)
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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