Lot details Registration No: PWA 439 Chassis No: B62RT Mot Expiry: Exempt
- Original RHD UK Matching numbers car
- Fabulous blue hide interior and woodwork
- Rare H J Mulliner sports saloon
- Original and working valve radio
- Manual gearbox
- Original registration number
- 1 of only 295 coach built bodied cars
This charming and elegant R-type Sports saloon was supplied new by Rippon Bros, Huddersfield to Ernest Thompson of Sheffield and was kept by his family until 1962. The original valve radio is present and working and the inside of the car is in superb condition with the hide, headlining, wood trim and the picnic tables being exceptional.
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 Bletchley, 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, though one of only 295 with a coach built body.
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