1954 | Bentley R-Type Continental

1954 Bentley R type Continental Fastback Manual
Chassis Number: BC75C
Registration Number: 96JLC
Arguably the most significant post-war car produced by Rolls-Royce. The Bentley R Type Continental was the fastest production four seater in the World, carried stunning light alloy coachwork and was highly exclusive with only 208 examples being built. The designers and engineers at RR proved that they could combine performance and innovation with their internationally acknowledged reliability. The R Type Continental was produced from 1952-1955 in A, B, C, D and E Series.
Chassis BC 75 C was delivered to its first owner in June 1954. Its build sheet confirms it to be a right hand drive car with manual gearbox, standard seats rear wheel spats. The car’s is history is fully documented and every owner is known. Most recently it was in the care of well-known enthusiast Hugh Taylor. He commissioned a complete restoration with the work being undertaken by the highly regarded specialists, Padgett Engineering.
The car has benefitted from a meticulous body off restoration and this apparent in the high level of finish that is really only achievable when this level of work is done. The car also has numerous upgrades and these include alloy wheels and alloy brakes for lower un-sprung weight. An alloy radiator for more efficient engine cooling. A higher engine specification with Carillo con rods, forged pistons, and a sports cam and valves. The flywheel was lightened and balanced and a fluid damper fitted. A free flowing exhaust system was also fitted. Throughout the car, parts were either replaced or over-hauled. Inside the cabin the leather, carpets and headlining have been re-newed. The results speak for themselves and the attention to detail is worthy of close inspection.
The car is presented in Royal Blue with Burgundy leather, matching bound carpets and a fawn wool-cloth headlining. The veneer to the dashboard and door cappings is dark walnut, with an attractive grain and deep lacquered. The high quality of the materials is matched by the craftsmanship of the work carried out. The driving experience is further enhanced by a sympathetically installed air-conditioning system and an up to date radio.
This is an outstanding example of the marque and it is very rare to find one that has been really properly restored. It is now coming to market out of a small collection as the 76 year old owner finds his Bentley S1 Automatic fastback to be easier to use.
We will be conducting a full photo shoot on the car once we have collected it next week.