Vehicle Description
1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback: The very First of Just 43
Examples Specified in Left-Hand Drive This 1952 Bentley R-Type
Continental Fastback is the first of just 43 examples specified in
left-hand drive. An early A-series chassis, of which only 26 were
built, chassis BC8LA was completed by Bentley in May 1952, and then
transported to H.J. Mulliner, where it was fitted with the iconic
fastback coachwork. The body fitted to BC8LA, no. 5473, was
finished in an attractive combination of Silver Blue over two-tone
blue Connolly leather upholstery. Factory records confirm that
BC8LA?s list of original equipment included heavy seats with elbow
rests, a cubby compartment located under the instrument panel, and
private locks on both doors. Outwardly, the Continental was
equipped with steel bumpers, a plain radiator without a mascot, and
wing mirrors.As recorded in the definitive Continental register,
this car was shipped to New York aboard the SS American Flyer in
September 1952. That October, J.S. Inskip delivered the new Bentley
to its first owner, Howard W. Kizer of Montclair, New Jersey. By
the time he acquired BC8LA, Mr. Kizer was already a
well-established Rolls-Royce and Bentley client, having
commissioned several spectacular custom-bodied cars for his
personal use. He is perhaps best known as the Texaco executive who,
in the 1930s, designed the company?s famous Doodlebug streamlined
tanker trucks. Mr. Kizer owned BC8LA for about two years and then
it was sold, via Inskip, to Dorothy King. She kept the Bentley
until 1964, when Laurel Hampel of Thousand Oaks, California,
acquired it. In January 1968, George Chilberg of Bonsall,
California, noticed an advertisement for the Bentley in the Los
Angeles Times and bought it for $2,900. An avid collector and
vintage racer, Mr. Chilberg maintained a fine collection of English
sports cars, including an MG L-Type, Allard J2, Lagonda LG45
Rapide, and several Bentleys: a 3 Litre, 8 Litre, and a Derby. Of
all the cars he owned, Mr. Chilberg?s favorite was the R-Type
Continental a model he regarded as the ultimate collectible
Bentley. During his 50-plus years of ownership, Mr. Chilberg drove
BC8LA tens of thousands of miles and took part in numerous Bentley
Drivers Club events. In the early 1990s, he carried out a
comprehensive restoration that included rebuilding the engine,
overhauling the mechanical systems, and refinishing the bodywork in
the current tan over brown color scheme. Significantly, BC8LA still
retains its matching-numbers 4.5-litre engine, no. BCA8, and
original H.J. Mulliner body tag. It is accompanied by a selection
of hand tools and ownership records, including the original 1968
Bill of Sale.Among the earliest Continentals built, and the very
first produced in left-hand drive, BC8LA represents an important
landmark in the production of this iconic Bentley model. This
Mulliner Fastback was built to order for an important American
customer and cherished by one passionate caretaker for more than
five decades. Whether its new owner decides to enjoy this elegant
Continental in its current condition, as an ideal touring car, or
restore it to its original splendor, they will be confident in
knowing they have acquired a fine, historic example of the most
desirable postwar Bentley.Coachwork by H.J. MullinerChassis no.
BC8LAEngine no. BCA8 The First of Only 43 Left-Hand-Drive R-Type
Continentals Built Delivered New to Rolls-Royce and Bentley
Connoisseur Howard W. Kizer Originally Finished in Silver Blue with
Two-Tone Blue Upholstery Well-Documented Provenance with Single
Family Ownership for Five Decades Original Coachwork and retaining
its Matching-Numbers Engine Featured in the Authoritative Book
Bentley Continental Sports Saloon Register Price: $1,250,000