Lot 317: 1952 Bentley R-Type Saloon

Announced in May 1946, the Bentley Mark VI featured a strong channel section chassis with independent wishbone/coil spring front suspension and a live, leaf-sprung rear axle. Drum brakes were fitted all-round, with Rolls-Royce's mechanical servo assistance, the front ones for the first time on a Bentley being operated hydraulically. Power was provided by the pre-war B60 4,257cc six cylinder engine - with overhead inlet/side exhaust valves and belt rather than gear-driven dynamo and water pump, both major changes from previous Rolls-Royce practice - sufficient to propel the Bentley, via twin SU carburettors, to 90mph. Notably, some prototype tests of the Mark VI were conducted during the war by Cabinet ministers and military officers. The only major mechanical change came in May 1951 when engine capacity was increased to 4,566cc together with a change from a by-pass oil filter system to one-using a full-flow layout. The same year the Mark VI was joined by the R-Type, basically the same vehicle but with a longer and more commodious boot. This most elegant of motorcars was first supplied to the Bristol Motor Co in the West Country and then directly on to His Grace the Duke of Beaufort on 17th October 1952. The build sheets included in the comprehensive history file detail the exact specification when new of a Standard Steel saloon with no special features. The previous owner of USJ 358 part-exchanged it at the Bristol Motors showroom in Kensington approximately three years ago, from where the vendor purchased the car; it then remained garaged in Richmond for several years until now. Included in the sale is a file of bills detailing much expenditure during the intervening years and, more recently, it underwent a full service with a local Bentley and Rolls-Royce specialist as well as being fitted with a completely new clutch. Described as being in good to excellent condition in all respects, and with a MoT test certificate valid until September 2008, this fine motorcar certainly deserves further inspection.