1954 Bentley R-type Continental Fastback

OVERVIEW

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1 of only 208 R-Type Continentals ever built
1 of 23 left hand drive examples with a 4-speed manual transmission
1 of 13 equipped with the 4.5L 6-cylinder engine
The most sought out variant of the R-Type Continental
Complete ground-up restoration performed by P. & A. Wood Company

Bentley is known far and wide as one of the longest-running automotive manufacturers still in existence. During those 100 years of automobiles, many legends have been born and racing drivers created by the historic marque, but some are more legendary than others.

In the early era of Bentley, they achieved multiple wins at the 24 Hour of Le Mans, beating powerhouse teams such as Mercedes. In the 1930s the company was in serious financial difficulties. Rolls-Royce acquired them and helped continue the legacy of Bentley. After WW2, the Rolls Royce plant was moved to Crewe, where everything was developed for both Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The R-Type was designed by Evernden and Blatchley using aerodynamics and lightweight construction to create a vehicle capable of running for long periods at high speed across Europe. The final design is considered to be one of the most elegant in the automotive world.

Suspension was modified to be sportier, the engine was modified to higher compression, the gearbox was equipped with special ratios, a long rear axle ratio was introduced in combination with a revolution counter instrument, and coachwork was in aluminum, stipulation it should weigh only around 350 kg. The R-type Continental soon became the favorite car for the wealthy, wanting luxury and sporty performance combined. Only 208 R-type Mulliner Fastbacks were made.

This particular R-type Continental H.J. Mulliner Fastback BC44LC is one of only 23 Left Hand Drive examples with 4-speed central shift gearbox, and one of only 13 cars made in the 4.5 litre C-Series. This, combined with optional lightweight bucket seat option, is the variant most sought-after. The R-Type was delivered new to Major Eric Loder in France in 1954. When the car was shipped to America around 1960 for a subsequent owner, it was then sent back to Europe to P. & A. WOOD who from 1989 until 1997 carried out a very comprehensive body-off concours quality restoration in its original color.

Upon arriving at Canepa, vehicles are treated to the "Canepa Difference" This includes a complete mechanical inspection. Everything is serviced as needed, and road tested by Bruce Canepa. It is finished off with a concours show quality detail. The undersides and wheel wells are hand cleaned, ensuring that each surface was spotless. The trunk, interior and engine bay are also cleaned, ensuring that the R-Type Continental is presented as though it had just rolled onto the showroom floor. With the remaining step being the exterior, the finish is polished and waxed to "as new" finish.

The R-type Continental H.J. Mulliner Fastback is not only the most important postwar Bentley, with its unique combination of beauty and outstanding performance it is one of the most important and remarkable cars in automotive history. This particular one, BC44LC, is one of the most perfect examples we have seen of this model having been restored in the prime era of the legendary P. & A. WOOD Company.