1954 Bentley R-Type SSS

This motor car is being sold as part of a private overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams’ temporary admission customs bond. In addition to the ‘hammer’ price, the winning bidder must pay a bond release fee (£350) and also import tax/duty.

In the UK, cars over 30 years old are subject to the lower rate of 5% import tax on the final selling price if purchased by a private individual. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT. A company buying this car will always pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT on the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable upon proof of customs/tax payment in the other country.

The bond release fee (£350 payable direct, post-auction, to the CARS shipping company) will produce a NOVA from HMRC, this document is formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK. The vehicle is not registered anywhere. You must register the vehicle with the DVLA. Upon request, The Market can suggest some companies who can help with this process.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years, and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section. In all cases, the documents shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. We do not have the originals.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is strictly sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for viewing by appointment weekdays 9am-5pm, and we advise you (or your appointed engineer) to inspect it at our HQ near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

Chassis No: B22YD.

Odometer: 22,505 miles.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with no history or service records.

There is a tag in the car suggesting that it was living in California at some point. That tag gives a UK registration number - HVS126 – which we can confirm is recognised by the gov.uk online MoT checker as belonging to a Bentley registered in December 1954.

The car takes power and the engine turns over. The key is stuck in the ignition.

With the proviso that we haven’t started or driven this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic condition, we think this RHD automatic 1954 Bentley R-Type appears to be an authentic example of a very grand car from one of the world’s most prestigious automotive marques.

But it’s far from perfect and there are some issues to address both inside and out.

This big black Bentley is some distance from perfect, it’s fair to say, but it is by no means beyond redemption and could be encouraged by a skilled and enthusiastic restorer to recapture some, most or all of its former glory.

The doors all close with impressive weight, precision and authority and most of the panels, panel gaps and shut lines are good.

The sunroof doesn’t close properly and has so far resisted our physical ministrations for it to do so.

There is a dent at the base of the o/s/r wing by the light cluster.

Extensive bubbling and some holes can be seen on the n/s doors, rear wing, wheel arches and sill.

There is also extensive bubbling and some holes at the base of both o/s doors and the rear wing on the same side.

The paintwork is crazed, cracked, split, chipped or just missing pretty much wherever you look.

The wheels are OK.

The chrome is variously dented, foxed and pitted depending on where you cast your gaze.

The mixed news continues on the inside.

The squabs of the tan leather front seats have been covered, in a rather ad hoc manner, by ill-fitting black vinyl – presumably because the leather covers are no longer fit for purpose.

The driver’s seat backrest has a large rip in it.

The front passenger seat, like the front door armrests, is deeply creased and decidedly grubby.

Someone has removed one of the removable parts of the floor pan under the driver’s seat. It is lying on the floor elsewhere in the car.

The rear bench seat is less creased than its counterparts in the front but can certainly match them for grubbiness.

The door cards are rather tired and in need of some TLC.

The carpets have endured somewhat better than the headlining, which is dirty and a little mouldy.

The wood on the dashboard, door cappings and picnic tables has lost its lacquer and, in places, some of the wood.

The rubber trim is perished or cracked in numerous places.

The boot, which contains a spare wheel, some tools and a few parts, is in decent condition.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started or driven the car.

The dusty but dry engine and engine bay look to be in good order and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

There’s rust visible in several places underneath the car, but the extent to which it may or may not compromise the car’s structural integrity is something you’ll want to assess for yourself.

Unless otherwise stated, this car comes with no history or service records beyond whatever photocopied documents are shown in the gallery.

No documents shown in the gallery in any way constitute any kind of current licensing or registration certification.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

This undeniably grand and stately R-Type has seen better days, for sure, but we think its authenticity, rarity and underlying quality should still make it a highly worthwhile restoration project - provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals prove to be amenable to recommissioning.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £8,000 -£14,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.