Lot 055: 1953 BENTLEY R-TYPE SALOON

An obvious evolution of its MKVI predecessor, the Bentley R type was introduced at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. Subtly reworked by in-house stylist John Blatchley, it boasted a notably larger boot and reprofiled rear wings. Switching from riveted to welded frame construction at chassis B349TO, the newcomer featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes (hydraulic front / rod rear). Powered by a 'big bore' 4566cc straight-six OISE engine allied to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission, the R type was a surprisingly strong performer. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its high speed handling and well appointed interior, the model remained in production until 1955 by which time some 2,320 are thought to have been made. Finished in black over silver with grey / fawn leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (engine, four-speed manual gearbox, paintwork) condition. Reportedly with its previous keeper for twenty years before entering the current ownership a decade and a half ago, 'KMA 7' is believed but not warranted to have covered less than 43,000 miles from new. Said to "drive well" but to suffer from slightly "tatty door panels" and "pitting round the boot light", the saloon rides on steel wheels. An appealing proposition, this handsome Bentley is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until March 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until May 2008.