When Rolls-Royce’s Chief Projects Engineer, Ivan Evernden, set out to create a high-performance Bentley for the 1950s, his challenge was to meld refinement and sophistication with true pace. Though no easy feat, the goal was achieved with aplomb. A top speed touching 120 mph awarded the Continental the status of the world’s fastest four-seater, yet the R-Type retained all the luxurious qualities associated with the Bentley name. When unveiled, the Bentley was one of the most elegant cars ever produced—an accolade it still carries to this day.

Clothed in aluminium bodywork by H.J. Mulliner, the Continental gained a performance edge thanks to its relatively light weight and carefully honed aerodynamics, courtesy of the Rolls-Royce wind tunnel. Beneath its skin, the car employed the same “cruciform” chassis and running gear as its saloon sister models, while mechanical upgrades were surprisingly few. The model cost £6,928 at a time when the average UK annual salary was £468, meaning only the wealthiest of enthusiasts could afford this decadent masterpiece. As a result, the production run ended with 207 units after a three-year run.

The example offered here, chassis BC11D, is a splendid example of the limited production run. After the chassis was completed by the Bentley factory on 28 June 1954, coachwork for the R-Type was provided by the esteemed coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner, which was concluded on 8 September. The exterior was originally finished in Blue Grey over Green trim with Wilmot Breedon bumpers, sporting an attractive Fastback body style. Notably, chassis BC11D was configured with desirable lightweight seats and a manual gearbox.

Having ordered the car through the agent Grose Ltd on 15 August 1954, the car’s first owner, one J.F.R. Mitchell, took delivery of the Bentley on 14 September via the Murkett Brothers Ltd area retailer. Early in 1966, the Bentley was bought by one Colonel W.A. Howkins of Monaco, where it stayed for the next 11 years. Thought to have stayed in the family, albeit returning to England, B.W. and J.A. Howkins were recorded as the next owners from January 1977. Michael Lester took a brief period of ownership commencing early in 1980, then Rene Wilhelm of Switzerland acquired the Bentley in April 1981. They retained the Fastback until 2002, when it was bought by the renowned marque authority, Peter J. Fischer.

It is understood that Mr Fischer conducted a six-year restoration of the car, renovating the Bentley to the condition it is presented in today, while at this point it is thought that the original engine was replaced with a period-correct unit from another R-Type Continental. The engine currently fitted (numbered BCD32) is listed to originate from chassis BC33D. Around this time, a metal sunroof was fitted, as well as other modern convenience features such as a discreetly hidden radio system.

In July 2009, the consigning owner acquired this R-Type from P&A Wood, the esteemed Bentley and Rolls-Royce dealership based in Essex. Under their care, the Bentley has been enjoyed on rallies and tours, and participated in the Bentley Drivers Club-hosted Europe by Bentley event in 2014.

Equipped with desirable lightweight seats, manual gearbox, and rear wheel spats, this quintessential post-war Bentley is sure to attract the attention of discerning collectors looking for only the very best examples to add to their collections.