Bentley R Type Continental H.J. Mulliner Fastback

The R Type Continental with H.J. Mulliner's fastback body is one of the defining British grand tourers of the 1950s. This car, chassis BC38D, is a late example fitted with the 4.9-litre engine, used only in 'D' and 'E' series cars. It also has the automatic gearbox and the larger, better padded seats, which make it easier to drive than many of its manual siblings.

It is finished in its original metallic Regal red, with red-piped leather retrimmed in recent years to the original specification. The wood veneers have cross-banding detail, and the dealer reports the carpets and headlining as very fresh. A specialist has carried out rectification and repair work costing more than £18,000, and the dealer has recently done a light engine refurbishment with new pistons and bearings.

The car spent 44 years with one family and is offered freshly MoT tested. Its early owners included a London cinema-industry figure and, in the 1960s, Pan Books managing director Aubrey Forshaw, who is said to have advised Ian Fleming on technical matters for Bond's cars. The price has been reduced from £550,000.