1954 Bentley R Series Saloon

The Bentley R Type is the second series of post-war Bentley automobiles, replacing the Mark VI. Essentially a larger-boot version of the Mk VI, the R type is regarded by some as a stop-gap before the introduction of the S series cars in 1955. As with its predecessor, a standard body was available as well as coachbuilt versions by firms including H. J. Mulliner & Co., Park Ward, Harold Radford, Freestone and Webb, Carrosserie Worblaufen and others.

Offered is a beautiful 1954 Bentley R Type in a color change of black. An extensive exterior restoration was completed in 2000 by Madden & Ryan of Radnor, Pennsylvania, but before that, this luxury Brit was imported into the states directly from London in the early 1970's. The winner of the 2017 Best in Show at the East Brandywine Community day antique and classic car show and now this luxurious piece of history is ready to fill a space in your garage and your heart.

Exterior
Straight lines, good gaps and a near perfect respray of black with only a few minor inclusions adorn the exterior of this beautiful curvaceous luxury automobile. Standard Bentley wheels all around are topped by curvilinear fenders that have spent many an hour on the English wheel to obtain their perfect shape. A massive grille in front is flanked by 2 large can style headlights with 3 driving lights mounted down low. Trivia for the day...While the front of this car retained almost everything from the Mark VI, the boot was almost double the capacity! Speaking of the boot, it has been well restored and shows nicely with the spare tire, tools, and felted coverings.

Interior
Believed to be original materials, oxblood twin leather buckets that come together to create a bench with separate backs and adjustments, show tufted interiors and plain bolsters with a central tuck and roll pattern. Cracks and wear that only come from age and careful usage litter the front seats. A massive rear bench spans from door to door and has plenty of leather fancywork in the arms and headrest areas as well as the cushions. On the back of the drivers and front passengers' seats, and beautiful flip down burl wood trays, for that Hors d'oeuvre and pre-party glass of bubbly. A beautiful burl dash houses various instrumentation as well as a large steering wheel, while strictly British, retains its right hand side driving arrangement. The spacious interior is grounded by wonderful red carpeting.
Drivetrain
The Bentley is powered by a 278.7 straight-6 engine topped with twin SU carbs. The transmission is a 4-speed Hydramatic and the rear axle weighs in with a 3.07 gear ratio. The engine bay presents very cleanly with gloss black toppings for the engine and a clean cream colored firewall. Also, our consignor states that a new thermostat and heater core were installed last winter. Spit spot condition here!

Undercarriage
The suspension is independent at front with elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Brakes are hydraulic drums at both front and rear. With a top speed of nearly 103 mph, the Bentley Saloon was the high-performance luxury sedan of its time. No invasive rust is present and only surface rust covers the suspension and framing. A newer Borla stainless steel dual exhaust system is on for spent fossil removal and shows very well. Noted are the leather leaf spring gaiters for a touch of undercarriage class.

Drivability
I donned my best attire and rang up my partner in crime to pick me up in front of the test track. I left him to handle the driving from the right front, (she's a true British lady, complete with right hand drive), while I enjoyed the finer things in life from the rear seat. A beautifully comfortable ride with adequate smooth acceleration, great handling for a car of its size and good braking. I was all smiles as I arrived for tea with the queen.

A particular car can evoke memories, mimic a personality, enhance a presentation of self, and tell a story about the individual who cared for it. Rest assured our consignor has a perchance for the finer things in life, is down to earth, and knows the meaning of maintenance and a quality restoration. Turn the key, and you'll get a feel for how you will be presented and perceived by others from behind this prestigious wheel.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.