When we think of vintage Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles, we don’t necessarily envision them as performance cars, first and foremost. After all, while every model certainly came with enough horsepower to satisfy even the most aggressive of chauffeurs, the brand’s primary goal was to cosset its passengers and provide effortless long-distance cruising. But that doesn’t mean the company didn’t step out of its own lane to create the best of both worlds, as it certainly did with the limited production Bentley R-Type Continental. This garage find example is listed here on eBay for $1.25 million and is one of only 41 left-hand drive models ever made.
The R-Type Continental featured a host of performance upgrades, both in terms of engine modifications and lightweight materials. The straight-six engine featured higher compression and was paired to a manual transmission, the last Bentley model to have the option of three pedals. The final gear ratio was also raised, and the carburetors were modified for higher performance as well. The Bentley employed groundbreaking aerodynamic enhancements as well to stabilize the car at speed and give it the most slippery profile possible. This example, which was ordered new by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, was further upgraded with lightweight seats, fender spats, and fitted luggage. The combination of left-hand drive and a manual transmission makes it exceptionally rare.
It is a black plate California car, and no explanation is offered as to how it ended up covered in dust and dirt. The good news is the post-wash photos show a very clean car underneath with what looks like a laser straight body. The seller notes the color was changed at some point from Deep Gray to its current shade of ivory, and either color pairs well with the black leather interior. The wood dash (real wood, in this case) looks surprisingly nice, evidence of many years stored inside a garage. The same goes for the leather, which is cracked but by no means ravaged by the sun. Actual mileage is unknown, but seeing how clear the Bentley logo still is on the foot pedals indicates it may not have racked up many miles before being parked.
The combination of rarity, speed and style rarely comes together as perfectly as it does here in this Continental R-Type. The price may seem unreal, but the few examples that have come up for grabs all tend to sell in that general range. This Continental also has the benefit of what seems like exceptional pedigree, with the seller noting it was on the lawn at Pebble Beach in 1971 and went home as a class winner. Mix it all together and you’ll start to see why even at the current price, it will likely look like a bargain in just a few years’ time. The R-Type Continental is reserved for the select few, and this one will surely be back at Pebble Beach in the next few years.
Sexy…….
A hefty price indeed but the Bentley R-Type is a milestone car and if the claimed provenance is true that it’s first owner was Ian Fleming, that is really something to brag about at Pebble Beach.
Does this car use Whitworth?
Yes, Bentleys and RR of this era are entirely Whitworth threads.
No Grey Poupon
This is an exceptional car, even without the tenuous Ian Fleming connection. Without researching it, my sense is that the price is about right. I think I remember that these were the world’s fastest saloon car in their day.
Someone with the wherewithal to buy this sweetheart can (and should) recover the seats, fix the prang on the left rear and drive it to a Pebble Beach Concours again. I’ll bet it gets as much or more attention than many of the showcase machines on display.
It’d be a shame to not let loose of the bridle and let ‘er run.
It has that rare prang suspension?…
This isn’t just a 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental. this is a a 53 R Type with an all metal H.J. Mulliner body. It’s a big two door coupe built on a sedan chassis with a 4.5 liter straight six and a 4 speed transmission and from the rear looks very much like a 1949 Chevolet Fleetline. The styling was obviously influenced by the 1948-50 GM cars, with the exception of the front ends.
Mulliner built most of these but Bentley’s usual coach builder Park Ward built 6. Other designers built a handful more and there was one built by Pinan-Farina which I would like to see. Production numbers seem to vary. Motor Trend, not the ultimate authority, says 43 LHD were built.
I never thought one of these would be found in a barn but that is just more evidence that there could be just about anything stashed away in those barns.
I remember this car. Didn’t Barnfinds feature this a few years ago?
A search of 1953 Bentley shows 4 different R-Types, including this one, have been featured since 2015, none more than once.
Steve R
This one in November 2015 – so twice now
Absolutely stunning car!! Don’t recall ever seeing this model Bentley before. Would like to know why it was left in a garage all this time with no care.
I’m confused, what would someone be bidding on, the Bentley in photo 1 or photo 2?
Same car Steve, after a wash and brush up.
I would not change a thing and, if I was a rich man, I would grab this beauty with both hands and drive it hard and fast..isnt that right Mr Bond?
“…with fender spats” if it’s a male Bentley, “fender skirts” if it’s female.
In the early 1970’s there was a Swedish writer Gunnar Friberg who had a standing one-page column in the leading auto magazine Teknikens Varld. He had one of these as his daily driver and often wrote about his adventures with his Bentley. I can still remember several of his stories.
As my parents sold their farm back in 2019 I donated my collection of these magazines to a local museum so hopefully someone else will get to read them!
Only a complete idiot would leave a car like this uncovered and not properly stored. Makes me mad to see great cars left to deteriorate. At least cover it .
Recall seeing this at the 2015 Pebble Beach Gooding auction in its Barnfind condition broken foglight and all…it was estimated at that time at $1.4-$1.8 mil and was a no sale, so perhaps $1.25 in better shape now is a bargain?
Yup, remember that.
gaud! (in Brit accent)
If in the 1% I’d pay 2 mill just to secure the certain purchase.
1st commenter @ 10:39am sez it all 4 me. Can U get a “metalie”?
1st pic -” ‘she’s’ a ‘wh^re’ “; 2nd pic – “a Modanna” ?
As a long-time collector of Rolls-Royce and Bentley “Proper Motor Cars”, all I can say is WOW-! Ian Fleming’s “R” type Continental found covered in bird poop, in a barn!
I certainly would NOT replace the leather seating in this car, It’s fairly easy to repair and condition these seats to look very nice, and thereby keep the interior original.
NEVER repair the leather in this car. It’s only original ONCE!
This car is just a Bentley R type (a $15,000 car in this shape) with a sexy body.
Plenty of other ways to impress your friends.
Glenn Reynolds,
I’ve owned a Bentley “R” type [B215YD] and also driven & repaired a Bentley Continental, and there is a substantial difference in the 2 cars!
Today I have a beautiful 31 year old redhead named Pepper as a loving girlfriend, and I’ve seen Sophia Loren. Both have a beautiful body, but like Ms. Loren, I cannot afford a Bentley Continental!
Ended: Aug 23, 2021 , 4:53PM
Price:
Located in:Astoria, New York, United States
Seller:
gullwingmotorcars