1952 Bentley R-Type Continental
Another great car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale (in July, England), this magnificent 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Sports Saloon will heading to auction through Bonhams for more than $US 1,000,000, synomym of great performance in the grand manner since its introduction in 1952.
I don't know much about old Bentley but with this name , it reminds me of a video game of my childhood R-Type, a lot of time lost trying to pass the different levels... and I want to know more about it :-)
History of the Bentley R-Type
In 1952, the Bentley R Type replaced the Mark VI and was a success with a production of 2,500 units. Different coachworks was proposed including one by H.J. Mulliner, British coachbuilder from 1897 until its sale to Rolls-Royce in 1959. There was not many difference between the standard Bentley R Type and the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn except the radiator grille and the carburation.
The Continental model was built onlt for export only and was certainly one of the most expensive car in the world but also the fastest car for 4 adults with their luggage.
'The Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started.' - The Autocar, 2nd October 1953
Technical specification
The standard R-Type reached a top speed 170 kmh despite a weight approaching the two tons. The Continental model was lighter thanks the use of aluminium and especially the wind tunnel-developed fastback of H J Mulliner. Its Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder 4,556cc engine produces 153 hp with a top speed 190 kmh and reaches the 80 kmh in 9 sec.
This model is the 11th Bentley R-Type Continental of the 208 produced and was supplied new to France for Mrs Loel Guinness of the brewing family. In 2002, great restoration of the bodywork and interior with this red leather.
Sources
Auction at Bonhams
Bentley R-Type on Wiki
H.J. Mulliner on Wiki
My Old Posts about Car
Shelby 427 Cobra
Aston Martin DB4 GT
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Porsche 356 A 1600 S Speedster
Ferrari 330 GT
Fabulous machine, are you heading there this year?
No unfortunately. But it must be cool to see the cars before the auction without bidding (but sometimes
there are good prices like this 1985 Land Rover V8 for $US 5,000 . Have you ever been to such events?
It is, yes going this year and went last year too, a must to attend.
Lucky you :-). I'm sure you'll do a post about it...
Maybe one or two, this week we’re attending London Concours too, some very rare machines there.