17th Nov, 2021 13:00

Imperial War Museum Duxford

 
  Lot 19
 

1954 Bentley R-Type Saloon
Single family ownership from new!

Sold for £31,500

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: OVU 200
Chassis No: B73WG
MOT: Exempt

  • Supplied new to a successful button maker and inherited by successive generations of his family
  • Highly original throughout with a delightful, timewarp interior
  • Recently recommissioned following nine years' inactivity and running nicely
  • First registered in Manchester and resident in the surrounding areas ever since

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 2,017 Standard Steel Saloons are thought to have been made.

First issued with the Manchester registration number ‘OVU 200’ on April 22nd 1954, chassis B73WG has been in single family custodianship from new. Literally bought for buttons, the first owner was a large-scale manufacturer of clothing fasteners, the Bentley is highly original with a particularly delightful interior. The rich Red leather and polished wood veneers still reek of quality. The gloss Black paintwork has a deep shine but there are some imperfections to the bodywork which are to be expected of an unmolested but still sixty-seven year old car. Recently recommissioned following almost a decade of dry storage, the R-Type started readily upon inspection and is said to ‘drive very well’. A decidedly rare opportunity to acquire a one family owned from new Bentley. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, sundry paperwork and fresh MOT certificate.

 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 17th Nov, 2021

AUCTION VENUE
Imperial War Museum
Duxford
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR

About Imperial War Museum  

AUCTION VIEWING

Tuesday 16th November 2021 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 17th November 2021 from 9am

BUYERS PREMIUM
12.5% (plus VAT @ 20%)

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