Vehicle Description
1953 Bentley R Type
The Bentley R Type is the second series of post-war Bentley
automobiles, replacing the Mark VI. Essentially a larger-boot
version of the Mk VI, the R type is regarded by some as a stop-gap
before the introduction of the S series cars in 1955. As with its
predecessor, a standard body was available as well as coachbuilt
versions by firms including H. J. Mulliner & Co., Park Ward, Harold
Radford, Freestone and Webb, Carrosserie Worblaufen and others.
Offered is a beautiful 1953 Bentley R Type in a not often seen dark
red and cream two-tone paint. Sharing space with our consignors 4
other cars, never driven in the winter and lovingly maintained by
David Scott and Doug Seibert, and driven to Seawanhaka Yacht club,
Piping Rock, and Atlantic Regional Rolls Royce Club gatherings,
this car has lived a pampered life. Originally shipped to
Gibraltar, then spending time in Oxford before coming to reside
with its second owner in Philadelphia, then to our consignor, this
luxurious piece of history is ready to fill a space in your garage
and your heart.
Exterior
Straight lines, good gaps and a not oft seen dark red and cream
combination paint that showing some minor bubbling and a few
scratches and scrapes adorn the exterior of this beautiful
curvaceous luxury automobile. Standard Bentley wheels all around
are topped by curvilinear fenders that have spent many an hour on
the English wheel to obtain their perfect shape. A massive grille
in front is flanked by 2 large can style headlights with 3 driving
lights mounted down low. Trivia for the day...While the front of
this car retained almost everything from the Mark VI, the boot was
almost double the capacity!
Interior
Oxblood twin buckets that come together to create a bench with
separate backs and adjustments, show tufted interiors and plain
bolsters with a central tuck and roll pattern. A massive rear bench
spans from door to door and has plenty of cloth fancywork in the
arms and headrest areas. On the back of the drivers and front
passengers' seats, and beautiful flip down burl wood trays, for
that Hors d'oeuvre and pre-party glass of bubbly. A beautiful burl
dash houses various instrumentation as well as a large steering
wheel while strictly British is an offshoot from the norm as it is
on the left hand side. The spacious interior is grounded by
wonderful red carpeting.
Drivetrain
The Bentley is powered by a 278.7 straight-6 engine topped with
twin SU carbs. The transmission is a 4-speed Hydramatic and the
rear axle weighs in with a 3.42 gear ratio. Both the engine and
transmission were rebuilt as needed.
Undercarriage
The suspension is independent at front with elliptic leaf springs
at the rear. Brakes are hydraulic drums at both front and rear.
With a top speed of nearly 103 mph, the Bentley Saloon was the
high-performance luxury sedan of its time. No invasive rust is
present and only surface rust covers the suspension and dual
exhaust system. Noted are the leather leaf spring gaiters for a
touch of undercarriage class.
Drivability
I donned my best attire and rang up my partner in crime to pick me
up in front of the test track. I left him to handle the driving
while I enjoyed the finer things in life from the rear seat. A
beautifully comfortable ride with adequate smooth acceleration,
great handling for a car of its size and good braking. I was all
smiles as I arrived for tea with the queen.
A particular car can evoke memories, mimic a personality, enhance a
presentation of self, and tell a story about the individual who
cared for it. Rest assured our consignor has a perchance for the
finer things in life, is down to earth, and knows the meaning of
maintenance. Turn the key, and you'll get a feel for how you will
be presented and perceived by others from behind this prestigious
wheel.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
