Registration No: 229 XVB
Chassis No: B372SR
MOT: Exempt
Motor Car Location: Henley-on-Thames
H&H are indebted to the vendor for the following description:
“On initial inspection I found the engine and clutch to be perfectly free despite circa fifty years off the road, and most of the exhaust system (excluding downpipes) had clearly been replaced shortly before being laid up.
Recommissioning has included replacement of all hoses; overhaul of fuel, ignition, charging and braking systems (the latter requiring new seals and hoses only); changing all fluids and filters; fitting 5 new Avon Turbospeed tyres, new Varta battery; oil pressure gauge re-calibrated; re-chroming bumpers, over-riders; fitting flashing indicator lights (installed on brackets beneath bumpers so as not to interfere with coachwork and wired into existing trafficator switch system).
The interior is totally original and has its original, tailored, heavy-duty overcarpet at the front. As far as I can discern, there is no corrosion in the aluminium coachwork and no sign of deterioration in the timber frame (I have treated all exposed timber).
The car drives extremely well, all gauges indicating correctly and the gearbox, as always with these cars, a delight to use.
I do wonder whether this may be the lowest mileage R-Type chassis existing? The car is listed in Rodney Steel's book 'The Cars from Crewe' (p.191) and has been valued by a renowned marque specialist at £75,000 (letter on file)”
Vendor Condition Ratings:
Bodywork: 'Very Good'
Engine: 'Excellent'
Electrical Equipment: 'Excellent'
Paintwork: 'Good'
Gearbox: 'Excellent'
Interior Trim: 'Excellent'
Model Background:
An obvious evolution of its MKVI predecessor, the Bentley R-Type was introduced at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. Subtly reworked from the previous model by in-house stylist John Blatchley, it boasted a notably larger boot and reprofiled rear wings. Switching from riveted to welded frame construction at chassis B349TO, the newcomer featured independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes (hydraulic front / rod rear). Powered by a 'big bore' 4566cc straight-six inlet-over-exhaust engine allied to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission, the R-type was a surprisingly strong performer, able to reach more than 100mph. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its high-speed handling and well-appointed interior, the model remained in production until 1955 by which time some 2,320 are thought to have been made (though, only 303 of those bore coachbuilt bodies).
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Auction: A|B|C Live Auction Online, 27th May, 2020
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