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Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback

1954 · 96,669 miles · Automatic · Velvet Green

£750,000

Listed today at Vintage & Prestige, Northampton. Last checked today.

Key facts

Year: 1954
Registration: MCX 452
Mileage: 96,669 miles
Gearbox: Automatic
Fuel: Petrol
Drive: RWD
Body: Coupe
Colour: Velvet Green
Doors: 2
Generation: R-Type Continental (1952–1955)

About this car

Chassis BC70C is one of only 208 R-Type Continentals built, a fastback that defined the fast, long-distance grand tourer in the early 1950s. It was delivered new in May 1954 and, from the 1960s, stayed with a single family until about three years ago. For much of that time it was serviced by the family's local firm, and it was used regularly, including trips to London and France. In 2002 it appeared at the R-Type Celebration at Silverstone.

The current owner commissioned a nut-and-bolt restoration, covering both the body and the mechanicals, with the aim of returning the car to as-new condition. It is finished in Velvet Green with pale green hides and green Wilton carpets. It was ordered with the rare option of tinted sundym glass all round, and the woodwork has been removed and refinished.

The history file holds early job cards, assorted bills, many expired MOT certificates and the original Bentley Continental handbook. These support the indicated mileage of 96,669. The car is UK-registered as MCX452 and has an automatic gearbox.

Written by Vertar from Vintage & Prestige’s listing. Check the details with the dealer before you buy.

Performance

The maker’s official figures for this model, not measurements of this car (Bentley never published a power figure (it was just called 'adequate'), and performance and weight figures come from press road tests, not the factory, so these are null. Engine size is null because 1954 cars got either the 4,566cc or the 4,887cc straight-six depending on chassis series. Total build of 208 was not an announced limited run.).

Engine position: Front-engined
Induction: Naturally aspirated