The Bentley R-Type Continental is universally regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. Of the 207 series-production examples built from May 1952 to April 1955, most were fitted with hand-formed H.J. Mulliner bodywork, an aerodynamic design known as the Fastback. Built on the same chassis and running gear as the standard R-Type, the Continental’s stunning aluminium bodywork gave it an edge in performance and driving dynamics, being lighter in weight and with superior aerodynamics honed in Rolls-Royce’s wind tunnel.

With a top speed of 120 mph, the R-Type Continental was the fastest four-seat production car in the world at the time. Equally sporting and luxurious, the impressive coupé truly lived up to its name in being able to conquer continents with ease. Series designations escalating from “A” to “E” reflected continual improvements over the model’s production run, which spanned 207 cars. From July 1954, a new 4.9-litre six-cylinder engine offered improved power and torque. Options included the choice of a manual or automatic gearbox, “lightweight” sports bucket seats or “heavy” touring seats, “special” instrumentation, and wheel arch covers over the rear wheels.

The example offered here, chassis number BC9D, is a desirable late production “D” series R-Type. The Bentley is one of three “D” series R-Types to wear the earlier “C” series bodywork, often regarded by enthusiasts as the more elegant style. The car was marked as complete by the factory on 28 May 1954 and delivered to its first owner, Alan G Clark, on 31 August 1954, equipped with “Special Steering” and a Plessey radio. The original selling agent was Jack Olding Ltd and the car was originally finished in Black with red trim. Further “Special Features” listed on the document included electric window lifts, a flat petrol tank, a Mulliner-Smiths ventilation and heating system, and two RD 8187 foglamps in place of the standard centre lamp. It appears to have remained in England until the late-1980s, when it was exported for a sojourn in the United States followed by a subsequent stay in Belgium. Later returning to the United Kingdom, the Bentley was sold at auction in 2014, and is offered from its consigning owner’s private collection based in Mexico.

At an unknown point, the R-Type was refinished in its current Shell Grey over medium-blue hide and dark-blue Wilton carpets; a lovely combination that highlights the Fastback’s timeless beauty. The R Type was featured in the June 2002 issue of a special interest Bentley magazine and was also part of the inventory of the 50th Anniversary Celebration event hosted by preeminent Bentley and Rolls-Royce dealer Frank Dale & Stepsons Ltd at Silverstone in August 2002, in addition to having been displayed in the front of the club house of the British Racing Drivers’ Club. The R-Type is offered for sale with documents including previous maintenance invoices by marque specialist P&A Wood, previous MoT certificates, and copies of its factory build sheets.

This desirably equipped Continental, notably with its automatic transmission and special features, is ideally suited for continued enjoyment, offering splendid performance and fine style in the best Bentley tradition, as a very fine example of one the greatest post-war road cars.