1953 Bentley R-Type Drophead Coupe
1 of just 25 R-Type chassis clothed to Design No 99

Registration No: NLX 698
Chassis No: B380SR
MOT: Exempt

• Finished in Midnight Blue over Shell Grey
• Supplied new to Brg P.O.G Wakeman of Tripe and Wakeman Ltd
• 1 of just 25 R-Type chassis clothed to Design No 99
• In current family ownership since 2012 and just 3 former keepers
• Offered with history file and current V5c document

From mid-1951, a larger, more powerful and torquey 4566cc capacity six-cylinder unit was used to power both Rolls-Royce and Bentley equivalent models. An obvious evolution of its MKVI predecessor, the Bentley R-Type was introduced at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. 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. A sporting and yet a very refined owner-driver model, which could cover long distances in great comfort, it was 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 (although, only 303 of those wore coachbuilt bodies).

Park Ward was founded in 1919 and clothed their first Rolls-Royce model the following year. After producing bodies for a variety of manufacturers in the early 1920s, the company became increasingly associated with W O Bentley's new business, manufacturing their chassis near to the Crewe factory at Cricklewood whilst at the same time perfecting the technology to supply Rolls-Royce with all-steel saloon bodies. Bought by Rolls-Royce in 1939, it merged with H. J. Mulliner & Co. in 1961 to form Mulliner Park Ward.

A decidedly rare motorcar, ‘NLX 698’ (with body number D 95) is understood to be one of just twenty five Bentley R-Type chassis to be clothed by Park Ward to Design Number 99. A handsome four-seater Drophead Coupe with manual transmission, power roof and flowing wings, it was singularly expensive (especially when compared to a contemporary Aston Martin or Jaguar). According to Bernard King’s Bentley R-Type, chassis number B380SR was supplied new to a Brigadier P. O. G. Wakeman of Tripe and Wakeman Ltd, being delivered in April 1953. The coachwork was originally finished in Midnight Blue over Shell Grey, as it is now.

In current family ownership since 2012 and with just 3 former keepers, the car has been treated to much expenditure during this period with work carried out including: new hydraulic pump and rams for the blue hood, re-conditioning of the rear shock absorbers, oil filter conversion, rear axle refresh with Continental crown and pinion, road wheel refurbishment, new stainless steel exhaust to Continental design, new radiator with surround re-chromed, new stainless steel bumpers by Jack Barclay and an engine overhaul by Richard Webb including replacement of a damaged block. In addition, subtle upgrades to enhance use in modern road conditions include the fitting of an electric fuel pump, rev counter, LED upgrade to the reversing lamps, third brake light and rear fog light conversion.

Offered with a history file that includes invoices, a Bentley handbook and workshop manual, together with old-style and current Swansea V5c documents, this surely represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a scarce and very elegant coachbuilt R-Type.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760