The Bentley R-Type Continental was purpose-built as the grandest of tourers, a machine for undertaking long distances, effortlessly and comfortably—indeed, for crossing continents. Offered here is a Continental that did just that. Chassis number BC8LB, it was delivered to the British journalist Nicholas Monsarrat, who took delivery from the dealer in Montréal and proceeded to drive it, in large part accompanied by his wife, on a coast-to-coast journey across Canada, a nation that he had fallen in love with during lecture trips and wanted to experience on the ground. The result was published as a slender volume, Canada Coast to Coast, in 1955, and that survives, along with the automobile, to tell the tale.

CANADA COAST TO COAST

The car is a Bentley – technically, a Bentley Mark VI [sic] Continental. It is dark grey, shaped like a Dutch cigar, and extremely photogenic. I’ve had it for a year, and after 13,000 miles it’s just about run in. If pressed, it will go 120 m.p.h. It will also move at a gentle walking pace, just as smoothly. You will have guessed that I love it dearly.

Finished in Black Pearl over grey trim, the Monsarrat Bentley was built with left-hand-drive and as a relatively early-production Continental, with the 4 1/2-liter engine, rear fender “spats,” and manual transmission; immediately after delivery, it was converted to the more sporting center-shift conversion by Rolls-Royce of Canada. Additional features specified included an additional floor-mounted heater, an electric cylinder block heater, fitted suitcases, and what Christian Heubner’s register notes as “Reutter reclining front seats.”

The car was shipped to Montréal via SS Beaverglen in June 1953, and delivered a few weeks later to its original owner, who, amusingly, received a diplomatic discount of ₤489 on the purchase. At that point, the journey began—initially by air from St. John’s, Newfoundland, but afterward by car, from Sydney, Cape Breton, to Victoria, British Columbia, recounted in 76 pages well worth reading for the scale of the adventure (and, indeed, included in its entirety in the history file)—but alas, too long to publish here. Suffice to say that the car completed the journey, and admirably, requiring only minor adjustments to be made during the trip. At the conclusion of the 4,600-mile jaunt, Monsarrat wrote in his travelogue:

I should certainly add a tribute to Rolls-Royce of Canada, and especially to Mr. A.G. Morrall, who prepared the car for its long journey. In particular, they provided me with an inclusive kit of spare parts, ranging from a dynamo to six extra shock absorbers. I never broke the seal, nor used as much as a single new washer out of this kit; but it was nice to have in reserve.

There can be no better testament to the quality of this car—then and now.

MODERN HISTORY

In February 1957, BC8LB was resold through Rolls-Royce of Canada to J.A. Vaughn, next passing in January 1968 to a Dr. Burgess, then in April 1973 to Ian McQuarrie—all Canadians. In fact, the car remained in Canada until September 1985, when it was purchased for the growing American collection of the present owner, which eventually became one of the finest assemblages of coachbuilt Bentleys, of all eras, in the world.

Early in the consignor’s ownership, the Bentley was submitted to Vantage Motorworks of North Miami, Florida, for a complete restoration. During this work the color scheme was changed to a very era-appropriate Shell Grey with red leather interior and the car fitted with roof-ducted air conditioning. Significantly, the restoration saw the car retain its original, numbers-matching engine, as well as road tools and a partial set of hand tools. It has quietly resided since within the collection, only occasionally shown, but enjoying the regular exercise and maintenance common to the consignor’s automobiles. The restoration remains in strong overall condition throughout.

Most importantly, the Monsarrat coast-to-coast Bentley still has all of its original charm and dignity. It is a car which has always been well-loved, most prominently and for the first half of its life, by Canadians and residents of Canada. It has literally explored the continent from sea to shining sea; it was continental in the truest sense. That has secured its memory as one of the most memorable of these swift, strong tourers, perhaps the most extraordinary post-war car that Bentley Motors ever produced.