This is a 1953 Bentley R-Type Park Ward Drophead Coupe (DHC) that
drives very well and is one of the most iconic Post-War Bentley
designs. This RHD example has been enjoyed by one family for the
past 44 years in Colorado. The Park Ward Drophead Coupes were very
rare and are considered very collectable. These are excellent
driving and relatively nimble for its size. This is ready to be
enjoyed as it is presently or restored as desired. This Drophead
Coupe is one of Park Ward's Design 99 and the chassis was delivered
to Park Ward on January 23, 1953. The craftsmen at Park Ward built
B137SP for Mr. Hector Lang for the Edinburgh Biscuit Works and it
was delivered new on May 22, 1953. The Bentley was enjoyed by Mr.
Lang until it was acquired by Mr. D.D. Robinson of Wednesbury on
June 30, 1961. Mr. Lang had ordered a Bentley S2 Hooper Saloon to
replace the Drophead. By the 1970's, the Bentley had made its way
to Colorado and was owned by Dr. Hassan. Dr. Hassan was quite
infamous for a period and desired a four-door saloon. Mr. Leslie
Shapiro traded his 1956 Bentley S1 Saloon and some supplemental
funds for this Drophead Coupe. Mr. Shapiro set out on a complete
repaint and further restoration work and by about 2001 had gifted
it to his son, Mr. Laurence Shapiro of Aspen and Vail, CO. The
Bentley has been enjoyed on at least two cross country trips and
has been regularly used and enjoyed. The livery was refinished in a
lovely Ivory over a Pale Green two tone with beautiful original
chrome and stainless-steel trim. The paint is in overall good
condition considering its age and, really looks stunning outside
while driving it. The black canvas Haartz cloth power convertible
top looks as new and belies its age as it was installed in about
2001. The electric convertible top works very well. In our opinion,
the white walled tires would be better off replaced with black
walled radial tires. This is a quick and easy upgrade. The chrome
and stainless-steel trim are in surprisingly great condition. There
are no signs of pitting or dents, showing that this Bentley has
been cared for and cherished. We love the enormous fender skirts
that create the gorgeous sexy curves that starts at the front
fenders and continues through the entire length of the car. This
looks much more like French coachwork than English. Thank you, Park
Ward. The interior is largely original in its Black Leather which
is in very nice condition. The leather is without cracks and has a
lovely patina. The luscious dark wood is also original and in
excellent condition. The black carpet is also in very nice
condition. It is difficult to discern exactly which portions of the
interior are original versus an older restored example. But
overall, the interior has a nice consistent patina and presents
very well. The instruments work well, and its radio has been
removed from the dashboard. The engine compartment has been
detailed but over the years has been painted with more black than
original. It looks quite presentable but not appropriate for RROC
judging, etc. The 4.6 liter straight six-cylinder engine produces
130 hp and with its four-speed manual transmission is a blast to
drive. The engine sounds great and even in 105-degree F
temperatures runs very cool. Its 120-inch wheelbase makes it easy
to maneuver and a delight to drive. This Bentley has a wonderful
road feel. The RHD steering is very stable and has little play. The
transmission linkage is a little loose and it tends to pop out of
reverse in short order. The chassis is all original and has never
really been cleaned or detailed. There is the normal rust in the
inner rocker panels and under the car from its early life in the
UK. These are non-structural and easily repaired, if so desired.
This Bentley comes complete with most of the large tools, its jack
and spare, its torch (flashlight), its Owner's Handbook, Service
Manual and more. Also included is a large file of receipts and
historical records. We have this Bentley priced right. The Hagerty
Values for this are $228,000 for a No 1, $193,000 for a No. 2,
$157,000 for a No. 3 and $112,000 for a No. 4. This is the Hagerty
Values website: 1953 Bentley R-Type Coachbuilt | Hagerty Valuation
Tools For more information and details, please call or text Harry
Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected].
This Bentley R-Type is available for inspection at our Phoenix
showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video
inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have
financing partners if you are interested in financing.
