1953 Bentley R-Type

This is a 1953 Bentley R-Type Park Ward Drophead Coupe (DHC) that drives very well and is one of the most iconic Post-War Bentley designs. This RHD example has been enjoyed by one family for the past 44 years in Colorado. The Park Ward Drophead Coupes were very rare and are considered very collectable. These are excellent driving and relatively nimble for its size. This is ready to be enjoyed as it is presently or restored as desired. This Drophead Coupe is one of Park Wards Design 99 and the chassis was delivered to Park Ward on January 23, 1953. The craftsmen at Park Ward built B137SP for Mr. Hector Lang for the Edinburgh Biscuit Works and it was delivered new on May 22, 1953. The Bentley was enjoyed by Mr. Lang until it was acquired by Mr. D.D. Robinson of Wednesbury on June 30, 1961. Mr. Lang had ordered a Bentley S2 Hooper Saloon to replace the Drophead. By the 1970s, the Bentley had made its way to Colorado and was owned by Dr. Hassan. Dr. Hassan was quite infamous for a period and desired a four-door saloon. Mr. Leslie Shapiro traded his 1956 Bentley S1 Saloon and some supplemental funds for this Drophead Coupe. Mr. Shapiro set out on a complete repaint and further restoration work and by about 2001 had gifted it to his son, Mr. Laurence Shapiro of Aspen and Vail, CO. The Bentley has been enjoyed on at least two cross country trips and has been regularly used and enjoyed. The livery was refinished in a lovely Ivory over a Pale Green two tone with beautiful original chrome and stainless-steel trim. The paint is in overall good condition considering its age and, really looks stunning outside while driving it. The black canvas Haartz cloth power convertible top looks as new and belies its age as it was installed in about 2001. The electric convertible top works very well. In our opinion, the white walled tires would be better off replaced with black walled radial tires. This is a quick and easy upgrade. The chrome and stainless-steel trim are in surprisingly great condition. There are no signs of pitting or dents, showing that this Bentley has been cared for and cherished. We love the enormous fender skirts that create the gorgeous sexy curves that starts at the front fenders and continues through the entire length of the car. This looks much more like French coachwork than English. Thank you, Park Ward. The interior is largely original in its Black Leather which is in very nice condition. The leather is without cracks and has a lovely patina. The luscious dark wood is also original and in excellent condition. The black carpet is also in very nice condition. It is difficult to discern exactly which portions of the interior are original versus an older restored example. But overall, the interior has a nice consistent patina and presents very well. The instruments work well, and its radio has been removed from the dashboard. The engine compartment has been detailed but over the years has been painted with more black than original. It looks qu