Lot 421: 1954 Bentley R-Type Saloon

Rolls-Royce commenced production post-war with the Silver Wraith and Bentley MkVI models. The traditional separate chassis was retained for the two newcomers, but for the first time there was standard coachwork. This new ‘standard steel’ body - produced by the Pressed Steel Company, of Oxford - was available at first only on the Bentley, the equivalent Rolls-Royce - the Silver Dawn - not appearing until 1949. The range featured a new design of independent front suspension, hydraulic front brakes and a new 4,257cc, six-cylinder, ‘F-head’ (inlet-over-exhaust) power unit destined for enlargement to 4,566cc in 1951. A much-needed improvement to the standard bodywork arrived in mid-1952 in the shape of an enlarged boot together with associated changes to the rear wings and suspension, subsequent models being known as the R-Type Bentley and E-Series Silver Dawn. This right-hand drive Bentley R-Type with ‘standard steel’ coachwork and manual transmission has been in the vendor’s possession since 1974, having had only one previous owner, and in recent years has benefited from extensive refurbishment. In 1999 the engine was rebuilt (to ‘unleaded’ specification) by Ristes Motor Company at a cost exceeding £15,000, while the clutch, rear shock absorbers and front brakes were overhauled and a minor chassis repair completed in January 2000 by Rolls-Royce & Bentley specialists David Haines & Sons Ltd. Coachwork restoration – undertaken in 2002 by Classic Workshop – has included new sills and associated repairs, (partial) re-spray, chassis steam cleaning and Waxoyling of sills and underside. Invoices for all of the forgoing are available. Endowing the car with effortless cruising at motorway speeds, the overdrive is a most welcome modification, while other sensible upgrades include front seat belts, electronic fuel pumps and a stainless-steel exhaust system. All five Michelin XCA tyres are new and the Bosch battery a mere 12 months old. Offered with its valuable registration mark ‘GM 6555’, this well maintained R-Type comes with all invoices since 1974, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5 document.