Vehicle Description
1954 Bentley R Series Saloon
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 1954 Bentley R Type in a color change of
black. An extensive exterior restoration was completed in 2000 by
Madden & Ryan of Radnor, Pennsylvania, but before that, this luxury
Brit was imported into the states directly from London in the early
1970's. The winner of the 2017 Best in Show at the East Brandywine
Community day antique and classic car show and now this luxurious
piece of history is ready to fill a space in your garage and your
heart.
Exterior
Straight lines, good gaps and a near perfect respray of black with
only a few minor inclusions 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! Speaking of the boot, it has been well
restored and shows nicely with the spare tire, tools, and felted
coverings.
Interior
Believed to be original materials, oxblood twin leather 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. Cracks and wear that only come from
age and careful usage litter the front seats. A massive rear bench
spans from door to door and has plenty of leather fancywork in the
arms and headrest areas as well as the cushions. 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, retains its right
hand side driving arrangement. 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 3.07 gear ratio. The engine bay presents
very cleanly with gloss black toppings for the engine and a clean
cream colored firewall. Also, our consignor states that a new
thermostat and heater core were installed last winter. Spit spot
condition here!
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 framing. A
newer Borla stainless steel dual exhaust system is on for spent
fossil removal and shows very well. 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
from the right front, (she's a true British lady, complete with
right hand drive), 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 and a quality restoration. 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 650 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.