Lot 350: 1953 Bentley R-Type by James Young

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. In the same family ownership until some 18 months ago, this most handsome R-Type is believed to be one of just six examples carrying James Young saloon coachwork. Finished in dark blue over Old English White with grey interior, chassis B238SR was delivered new in 1953 to one A C Morrell and originally bought by the vendor to form part of a fleet of wedding cars. Presented in very good original condition, it is supplied with assorted paperwork and receipts relating to its service history and a MoT test certificate valid until November.