1953 Bentley R type saloon

Supplied new by Charles Follett of London in early 1953, this example soon found its way to North America, where it spent three decades in a heated garage as part of a New Jersey collector’s private museum.

It then changed hands in 2015 and received a full mechanical recommission to get it back on the road where it belongs. It was subsequently reimported to the United Kingdom in 2016, where all import duties and taxes were paid in full. It is registered for the road and bears the registration number 957 WYT.

The four-door saloon’s coachwork was originally finished in an attractive ‘rhubarb-and-custard’ two-tone colour scheme but it was repainted in single-colour cream at some stage in its life. The work appears to have been completed to a high standard but is starting to show signs of age. A full respray would bring the car up to show standard but a less fastidious owner might enjoy it ‘as is’ and worry less about the odd car-park ding and scuff as a result. 

There is a little bubbling on the lower areas of the two passenger side doors, otherwise the body appears to be remarkably sound, solid, and free of corrosion. The chrome-work and general trim is all in good shape.

The Bentley has been fitted with a Rolls Royce grille and Flying Lady radiator emblem to give the outward appearance of a Silver Dawn at some stage in its life, an indignity from which it has yet to recover…

The interior is in good condition with beautiful burgundy leather upholstery and matching red headlining and carpets. The woodwork, including individual picnic tables in the rear, is still in excellent shape. 

The original factory fitted sunshine roof is in good condition, fully functional and free of leaks.

The substantial chassis (which brings to mind Enzo Ferrari’s quote that Bentley built “the fastest lorries in the world”…) is absolutely sound and solid. 

The recommission was comprehensive and included a new fuel pump, all new fuel lines and filters, rebuilding and setting up the carburettors, cleaning out the fuel tank, removing, cleaning and re-fitting the engine sump and filter housing, and fitting six new spark plugs as part of a full service. 

The brake system was completely stripped down, overhauled with then rebuilt including a reconditioned master cylinder along with all four wheel cylinders. The work was completed with the installation of new hydraulic brake lines. The vehicle’s wiring and electrical system was also overhauled. 

A twin stainless steel exhaust system is fitted and all tyres are good, with the rear pair being brand new. 

The owner tells us that the car is in “excellent mechanical order and is a real pleasure to drive with its 4 speed gearbox and right-hand floor change.”

The mileage of 71,300 is almost certainly accurate but it cannot be warranted as the records are incomplete on this subject.

However, the original owners’ handbook is still intact and with the car, as is a more modern parts list and maintenance manual.

Any Bentley is a pleasure to own and drive, and this charming R Type is no exception. It wears its years well and while it isn’t concours, it is still a delightful old thing that would be a joy to wheel out for high days and holidays.

We’d be tempted to leave it well alone for a year or so in order to better identify our priorities; we can’t help thinking that we’d end up leaving it nicely patinated and so feeling free to use it with a clear conscience. 

The guide price is £22k And the reserve is, as always with our auctions, set even lower. To arrange to view use the 'Contact Seller' button above, or discuss and ask any questions in the comments below.