Bentley R Type Continental H.J. Mulliner Fastback

Chassis BC11A is one of the first R Type Continentals built, the H.J. Mulliner fastback that was billed as the fastest four-seater production car in the world when new. Completed in late 1952, it was delivered in February 1953 through Franco Britannic Automobiles in Paris to its first owner, Mrs Loel Guinness, in Tudor grey with a maroon interior.

It is an early lightweight car, quoted at 3,798 lb when new, and carries a desirable specification of manual gearbox, lightweight bucket seats and rear wheel spats. It is right-hand drive and now finished in Shell Grey with a light blue leather interior.

History runs from French ownership through a return to the UK in 1967 via Jack Barclay, then a long stay with one owner from 1978 to 2022. The current owner bought it that year and has spent about £140,000 on a mechanical review, coachwork improvements and a full interior restoration. It comes with its original handbook and service manual, copy chassis cards, restoration photographs, tools and a history file.