1952 | Bentley R-Type Continental

• One of only three R-Type Drophead Coupés bodied by H.J. Mulliner

• Coachbuilt in 1953 on chassis B47SP; retains original Mulliner body number 7259

• Exhibited at major concours, including Hampton Court Palace (2014) and Bentley Drivers Club (2013)

• Comprehensively restored and refinished in Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue over beige Connolly leather

• Documented provenance from new, including FIVA Identity Card issued in December 2011

Our 1952 Bentley R-Type Drophead Coupé represents one of the rarest and most elegant coachbuilt Bentleys of the post-war era—one of only three examples produced to this bespoke design by H.J. Mulliner of Kings Road, Fulham. Built on chassis B47SP, with body number 7259, this car combines traditional British luxury with an exceptionally rare open-top configuration, making it a true collector’s prize.

Introduced as the successor to the Mark VI, the Bentley R-Type retained the dependable 4,566-cc straight-six engine but offered improved performance, a smoother ride, and greater luggage space. While most R-Types were standard steel saloons, approximately 295 chassis were delivered for coachbuilt bodies, and among these, the Mulliner-bodied Drophead Coupé stands out for its elegance, proportions, and craftsmanship.

Originally delivered via Bennetts of Nottingham, the car was completed on 19 June 1953 and sold new to A.N. Goulandris of London. It remained in the Goulandris family until the late 1970s—an unusually long period of single-family ownership that adds to its provenance. In 1979, it was exported to the United States and acquired by Marcus Rosner of Los Angeles, who kept the car until 1989. At that time, it was described as finished in Brewster Green over beige, as noted in a classified advertisement.

The car returned to the UK in February 1990, imported by Classic Autos of London and briefly owned by Mr. J.A. Liddell, before passing later that year to Baron Axel H.W. Schellenberg. A noted connoisseur of fine automobiles, Baron Schellenberg paid £78,050 for the car and immediately commissioned Excelsior Coachworks of Alton, Hampshire to carry out an extensive cosmetic restoration. The bodywork was stripped and repainted in Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue, the interior was re-trimmed in Connolly beige hide, Wilton carpets were installed, and a new mohair folding roof was fitted—all faithful to period materials and original style.

In June 2000, the Bentley passed to Peter Francis Ralfs of Chichester, and in July 2011, it entered The Dean Kronsbein Collection. Under Kronsbein’s ownership, the car was entrusted to Bentley specialists P&A Wood, who carried out additional detailing and restorative work. A May 2012 invoice details £25,113 in work, including paint correction, body repairs, and dashboard refinishing, preparing the car to concours standards.

Since its restoration, the car has appeared at several major events, including the 2013 Bentley Drivers Club gathering and the 2014 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, where it received wide acclaim for its condition, rarity, and presentation. In December 2011, it was issued a FIVA Identity Card, verifying its authenticity and eligibility for historic tours and concours events.

Today, this beautifully presented R-Type remains in Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue over beige Connolly leather, and stands as a fine testament to Mulliner’s masterful coachbuilding and Bentley’s post-war engineering excellence. With known provenance from new, concours appearances, and expert care from leading specialists, our R-Type Drophead Coupé offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable open Bentleys of the 1950s—equally suited to serious collecting, touring, or exhibition.

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 33 55 to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.