1954 Bentley R-Type Saloon
British luxury saloon recently recommissioned at a cost of £18,000

Registration: SAR 271
Chassis: B246WH
Odometer: 6,000
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: May 2026

• Supplied by Jack Barclay Limited
• Much recent expenditure
• Elegant colour combination
• Desirable factory sunroof
• New stainless steel exhaust

The Bentley R-Type, produced between 1952 and 1955, was a significant evolution of the post-war Bentley Mark VI, offering more space, improved performance, and refined styling. As Bentley sought to re-establish itself in the luxury market after World War II under Rolls-Royce ownership, the R-Type continued the use of a robust chassis and inline-six engine, initially 4.6 litres and later increased to 4.9 litres. One of the most notable variants was the R-Type Continental, introduced in 1952, which became the fastest four-seat car in the world at the time, thanks to its aerodynamic design and lightweight aluminium coachwork by H.J. Mulliner. With only 2,320 R-Types produced, including just over 200 Continentals, the model remains a highly sought-after classic, symbolising the elegance and engineering excellence of early 1950s British motoring. The R-Type helped bridge the transition between traditional coachbuilt luxury and the more modern, mass-produced vehicles that followed.

We are delighted to offer this 1954 Bentley R-Type saloon in grey / silver with tan leather interior. Apart from the fact that it was supplied by Jack Barclay Ltd, little is known about the car’s origins or early life but it was registered overseas and imported to the UK in around 1993. However, it is a right hand drive example. After spending some time off the road, the Bentley underwent recommissioning in late 2023. There are a sheaf of invoices from well-known restorer Trevor Farrington, totalling over £18,000. Highlights include new fuel pump, new battery, new brake master cylinder, new points / condenser / distributor cap and leads, five new tyres, a stainless steel exhaust system, and all wheels refurbished. Despite being exempt, it was then MOT’d with no advisories. The vendor has just put a fresh MOT on for the coming year.

Finished in elegant silver over grey, the R-Type still cuts a dash - the very epitome of refined luxury. There’s some patina to the brightwork but it is only the bumpers, which we would describe as heavily pitted. Pleasingly, it hasn’t had indicators retro-fitted and still relies upon its delightful (and functioning) trafficators for direction changes. There’s a charming patina to the cabin. It was supplied with a full length bench seat in the front and is fitted with a factory sunroof. It’s nice to see that the original radio remains in place and the only obvious modification to the dash seems to be a later quartz clock. Features like the lovely folding wooden picnic table and the courtesy mirrors in the c-pillars encapsulate the luxury that the Bentley brand stood for and, indeed, still does.

The car comes with V5C, current and older MOT certificates, invoices, some old tax discs and the original handbook.

There are few better ways make a statement than with a 1950s Bentley - this is not a car for the shy and retiring - but for all its glamour and opulence, the R-Type saloon remains a surprisingly affordable prospect. With all that recent expenditure, this example is ready to roll into its 8^th decade and look fabulous doing it.