1953 Bentley R-Type Standard Steel Saloon

DVCA take particular delight in offering one of these highly useable prestige vehicles. We have praised their quality, performance and handling and have encouraged ownership of both the Mk VI and indeed the R-Type of the period. Our last sale included a very fine example of one person’s dream in the form of a Special, based on a Bentley R-Type.

So here we have an opportunity to set about the restoration of the standard car or to develop one’s own idea by creating a one-off Special in the style of the pre-war sporting motor car. All the power can be there in the basic 4.5 litre engine, once restored, together with chassis, ancillaries plus most importantly, there is a V5C registration certificate.  

This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a true project which can provide many hours of hopefully rewarding enterprise. The sale includes all obviously removed parts, the Flying B mascot and cap, a replacement used petrol tank, a radiator and a new exhaust system. We are told that the engine is seized and partly dismantled, and that the gearbox needs work. The overriders, rear bumper and R/H/F quarter bumper are not present. As well as the V5C, the file includes copies of the original factory build sheets. We note that the Bentley has been dry stored for a long period of time.

As an aside DVCA are able to offer, from a completely different source, a correct engine taken from another R-Type Bentley, which may well be worth consideration.

Auction Date: 9 March 2023