Bentley R-Type Saloon

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Introduced at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show, the R-Type was a subtle reworking of its MkVI predecessor and would have been called the MkVII had Jaguar not just appropriated the name for their flagship saloon.

Effectively a longer booted version of the MkVI, it was powered by a silky smooth 'Big Bore' 4,566cc straight-six engine with twin SU carbs and aluminium cylinder head. Despite weighing nearly two tons, it was a spritely performer, especially in manual guise, achieving 106mph in near silence and reaching 50 from standstill in just 10 seconds.

Servo assisted drum brakes provided the stopping power while suspension was independent with coil springs to the front, leaf springs to the rear. Enjoyable to drive with a light surefooted feel, it had enough power to give even contemporary sportscars a serious run for their money.

Inside things got even better, the lucky occupants cossetted in acres of hide and walnut that truly justified the cliché of 'a gentleman’s club on wheels'. Just 2,320 examples were made before the R-Type was replaced by the much larger S1 in 1955. All the more surprising then, that they are such good value today, being more or less in the same price bracket as a relatively humdrum MkII Jag – a situation that we feel sure cannot continue much longer.

Factory records show that this well turned-out R-Type was delivered new to Mr A Whyte of Skelmorlie in Ayrshire through Edinburgh dealers Rossleigh. First registered FWG 65, it was ordered in grey with a brown VM3199 leather interior and left Crewe on 28th April 1954 with a manual synchromesh gearbox and a radio. By 1962 it had migrated south and was resident in Bournemouth.

The current owner acquired the car just a couple of years ago, its former keeper having barely driven it, the car covering a mere 250 miles in the previous 7 years. He seems to have been more interested in polishing the car and ministering to the interior than in driving it. In fact, it is thought that the car has been stored for a great part of its life.

Upon purchase by the vendor, a recommisioning was undertaken, in particular to cure a persistent misfire. Subsequent investigation revealed that there was more to the misfire than expected so a full top end overhaul was undertaken earlier this year by Colwall-based Vintage Metal. This entailed removal and refacing of the head and valves, new valve springs, setting up the timing and carburettors and much more. A full breakdown of the comprehensive work undertaken is included in the file, the bill for the work amounting to some £3,700.

We are advised that following this recommisioning work the car now starts instantly, pulls particularly well, runs true and stops effectively. It sports its lovely original interior in brown hide with cloth headlining, a delightful sliding sunroof, correct rear blind and picnic trays and footrests that look virtually unused. The chromework is excellent and the car is still fitted with its original (and working) trafficators and lighting . It is described by the vendor as in particularly good condition underneath and is also exceptionally smart in the underbonnet area.

One of the last of the manual gearbox Bentleys, this car is only sold as the local owner is losing some of his garaging space. This matching numbers, 'big bore, big boot' R-Type is ready for its new owner to use and enjoy.