1954 Bentley R-Type
No Reserve – Entered from the Alyth Collection

Registration No: PLB 63
Chassis No: B181YA
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from the Alyth Collection, a collection of motor cars kept in storage in Scotland for over 30 years
• A worthwhile project with much potential
• Registered with the D.V.L.A. with an attractive registration number

An obvious evolution of its Mk. VI 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 and rod rear). Powered by a 'big bore' 4,566cc 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).

Registered in London in July, 1954, and understood to have originally been painted Grey, this Standard Steel R-type, chassis B181YA, was eventually taken off the road in July, 1981, having covered an indicated 25,721 miles. It proceeded to languish for eight years, until it was acquired in August, 1989, for the predominantly Rolls-Royce and Bentley-focussed Alyth Collection, where it received shelter if not restoration.

Evidently, B181YA is now in need of total restoration and, while it is in a dismantled state, many spares are supplied in the interior and in the boot. While some body panels will need to be sourced, we believe there is enough sound material in this car to make it a very worthwhile restoration project, and we certainly think there is great potential in the chassis. It would be a shame to break it for spares, but if total restoration is a bridge too far then the R-type would surely have great potential as a special. One way or the other, we hope to see it live again.

This lot is supplied without paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430