1952 | Bentley R-Type

• Specially ordered in LHD-One of only 50 LHD R Types built
• Believed to be the only LHD R Type standard steel for sale
• Beautiful Burgundy over Shell Grey
• Grey Connolly Hide interior
• Automatic transmission and medium wave radio
• Delivered new to the President of the Lionel Corporation, USA
• Factory Sunshine Roof
• Rear picnic tables
• Formerly part of a world class collection 

The policy of rationalisation begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after the war with the introduction of standard bodywork on the MK VI Bentley. Rolls-Royce's first post-WW2 product, the latter was introduced in 1946, a year ahead of the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith which, although mechanically similar to the MK VI, was nevertheless exclusively a coachbuilt car. The new 'standard steel' body - produced by the Pressed Steel Company, of Oxford - was available at first only on the Bentley MK VI, the equivalent Rolls-Royce - the Silver Dawn - not appearing until 1949. A separate chassis was retained, the same basic design being built in three different wheelbase lengths, that of the MK VI (and Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn) measuring 10" exactly. The Crewe-built range featured a new design of independent front suspension, hydraulic front brakes and a new 4,257cc, six-cylinder, 'F-head' (inlet-over-exhaust) power unit. The latter was enlarged to 4,566cc in 1951, while a much-needed improvement to the standard bodywork arrived mid-way through 1952 in the shape of an enlarged boot together with associated alterations to the rear wings and suspension, subsequent models incorporating these changes being known as the R-Type Bentley and E-Series Silver Dawn.

Left-hand drive chassis number 'B.218.LSR' was manufactured in 1952 and has the Rolls-Royce/General Motors Hydramatic four-speed automatic transmission that had recently become available as an option and would be standardised on the successor Bentley S Series. Ordered for the US, the Bentley was ordered with;

• Flashing indicators
• Sealed-beam headlamps
• High-frequency horns
• Medium wave radio
• Bonnet locks
• Whitewall tyres
• 'Made in England' nameplate

Its original colour scheme was two-tone Midnight Blue over Shell Grey, with a grey hide interior. The R-Type was retailed by J.S.Inskip of New York City and sold to the Lionel Corporation, likewise of New York City, for the use of its President, Mr Lawrence Cowen. Two further owners are listed on the copy chassis cards: Walt Whitman School of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1963) and David Anthony of Highland Park, Illinois (1966). 

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 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.