Vehicle Description
1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback: The very First of Just 43
Examples Specified in Left-Hand DriveThis 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 and Blue with
light blue, possibly UM 3086, Connolly leather upholstery. Factory
records confirm that BC8LAs list of original equipment included
"heavy" seats with elbow rests, a cubby compartment located under
the instrument panel, with a later annotation that this was the
first time it had been done, and private locks on both doors. The
transmission is manual on the column. 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 and also at Texaco Oil Company, Chrysler Building, 135 East
42nd Street, New York City. The guarantee was issued on 3rd October
1952, at the time of delivery, according to a later letter. 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
companys famous Doodlebug streamlined tanker trucks. Mr. Kizer
owned BC8LA for about two years and then it was sold, via Inskip,
to Dorothy King of Miami Beach, Florida. There is a letter in 1956
from Inskip to her husband, Curtis King, of Palm Springs, CA
discussing tires and expressing concern about Mrs. King who was
apparently very sick. She nonetheless kept the Bentley until 1964,
when Laurel Hampel of Upper Lake Road, Thousand Oaks, California,
acquired it. In January 1968, George Church Chilberg of Bonsall,
California, noticed an advertisement for the Bentley in the Los
Angeles Times and bought it for $2,900. The bill of sale provided
for a $400 down payment and balance within six months.An avid
collector and vintage racer, George 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. Chilbergs 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, having been a member of the
BDC for the same period of 50 years. 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. The mechanical
work may have been carried out by Jim Rickman in California as
there is a reference to payments to him in excess of $12,700.
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 Sporting and
Distinguished Delivered New to Rolls-Royce and Bentley Connoisseur
Howard W. Kizer Originally Finished in Silver Blue with Light 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 RegisterPrice: $995,000 Firm ReplyForward
