Lot 428: 1953 Bentley R-Type Coupé

The history of the Abbott-bodied Bentley R-Type is an interesting one. Peter Woodgate originally designed this body style to be fitted to the Bentley Continental chassis. Abbott had already built a body for an experimental Bentley (‘8BVII’) in 1949 and because of its close links with the factory was well aware of the development work being carried out to produce a higher performance ‘Continental’ model. Woodgate’s superbly styled body was not, however, destined to be fitted to any Continental chassis as almost the entire production would be earmarked for H J Mulliner, which had been closely involved with the Continental’s development. Nevertheless, Rolls-Royce eventually reached an agreement with E D Abbott for the supply of a number of R-Type chassis which, although not numbered with the ‘BC’ prefix or fitted with the slightly higher performance engine and close-ratio gearbox, did come with the Continental’s shorter radiator shell and matrix, lower (28-degree) steering column, 12/41 rear axle and special 120mph speedometer. Ironically, the very first B7 (R-Type) chassis (‘B2RT’) was fitted with the new Abbott body. Abbott built a total of 16 bodies on the B7 chassis, the first two of which - ‘B2RT’ and ‘B18RT’ - were classified as prototypes, the latter being the sole drophead made. Boasting a lowered roofline and more attractive rear lights, the next 14 cars may be considered ‘production’ models. The styling received rave reviews from the motoring press at the 1952 and 1953 Earls Court Motor Shows, one correspondent stating that, ‘it was the best thing at the Show’. Today these Abbott-bodied Bentleys occupy a niche all of their own. Although not officially Continentals, they enjoy unique status by having some Continental features, setting them apart from the majority of coachbuilt ‘standard’ R-Types. Of the 14 ‘production’ cars built, one was left-hand drive and another fitted with automatic transmission, leaving only 12 in the same format as that offered here: ‘B135SP’. The existence of at least three of these cars is currently not known, though one has almost certainly been scrapped because the engine was fitted to Silver Wraith chassis ‘WVA31’. ‘B135SP’ remains in excellent original condition and is reported as mechanically sound and a good performer. The interior is original and possesses that lovely patina of a low-mileage car used considerately over the course of its 52 years. Having been in storage for approximately 20-plus of those years, it seems likely that the speedometer reading of 67,000 miles is accurate. This is also indicated by the paperwork in the car’s portfolio, which includes the original brown logbook. The interior is in pale blue/grey leather with ivory piping and pale blue carpets, while the woodwork is Abbott’s traditional sycamore. The car has an original and complete small tool kit, original radio and other equipment, and the correct lower-line Continental-style Bentley mascot. It is thus very ‘correct’ and to original specification. ‘B135SP’ has participated in many RREC events and won the ‘Car of the Show’ award at the prestigious Tatton Park Classic Car event in August 2003. It is offered with copies of the original build records and a file of assorted paperwork. A new battery has just been fitted and the car is currently licensed and possesses an MoT certificate valid until August 2006.