Lot details Registration No: VPD 60 Chassis No: B155YA Mot Expiry: Oct 2012
The R-type Bentley was unveiled in June 1952. In most respects it was very similar to the outgoing MKVI, the principle point of recognition being the newcomer's elongated boot capped by a one-piece alloy lid. Gone were the rear spats to be replaced by shapely flowing wings. The net result was a body 7.5 inches longer and the now welded chassis was extended by the same amount. Detailed changes included an automatic choke, two-speed wipers and rear window de-mister. In October that same year, the highly regarded General Motors four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission became optional. As tested by The Autocar, the R-Type could reach 60mph in 13.8 seconds and achieve a terminal speed of just over 100mph.
This handsome-looking, 'home market' R-Type was manufactured in 1954 and features the later chassis with 12/41 axle. 'VPD 60' is finished in the most attractive combination of Midnight Blue over Silver that's allied to a Grey leather interior with Dark Blue piping, and the vendor informs us that it was ordered with numerous special features including: a pair of Silver Dawn fog lamps in place of the standard central driving one, an extended radio antenna in the rear of the headlining and extra bonnet / door locks. He believes but does not warrant the indicated mileage of 58,000 to be genuine, just 6,000 of which have apparently been accrued in the last thirty-one years. The R-Type has recently been fitted with a twin-pipe stainless steel exhaust system and front brake shoes and cylinders, and is currently considered by the vendor to have "structurally excellent and very original" bodywork, "slightly aged" paintwork, "very original (with some wear to the pleats on the back rest of the driver's seat)" interior trim, "very sound" engine and "excellent" automatic transmission. It is being sold with almost complete tool kit (the exception being one oiler), original handbook and an MOT into October.
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