1954 Bentley R-Type

1954 Bentley R-Type Saloon

For consignment, a 1954 Bentley R-type saloon showing 25.293 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The R Type name which is now usually applied stems from chassis series RT. The front of the saloon model was identical to the Mark VI, but the boot, (trunk), was almost doubled in capacity.

Exterior
From a distance and from any angle, there are few cars more regal looking than a Bentley of this era, and this one stands tall in single stage Platinum paint with the cabin and trunk covered in Black and the two tone is just one thing that sets it apart. With a familial resemblance, the car is fronted by a sizable and tall grille topped by the Flying B ornament and flanked by headlight housing that melds into the curvaceous pontoon fenders. Directly below the large headlights are fog lights mounted not on the bumper, but on the filler in the space between. Out back, the big boot looms large and is topped by a smaller rear window and sail panel C-pillars. Door handles disappear in the side trim, leaving the doors smooth and uninterrupted, save for the gravel guard on the rear door as it becomes part of the flared fender. Imperfections include some pitted metal trim, rough condition on a marker light base, numerous chips, cracks, and surface rust spots throughout, evidence of cracking filler, a few dents, rust and cracked filler at the rear wheel openings.

Interior
Coach style doors open up to reveal Oxblood red door panels with tan carpeted inserts with all four showing a touch of age. From there, both of the red leather benches have some wear, most notably on the right hand drivers side. We considered taking a nap on the welcoming sofa in the back, but continued our tour, finding fantastic wall to wall burlwood on the dash and around the windows with black gauges and an AM/FM radio in the center. The big 3 spoke steering wheel has prominent finger grooves and a narrow column that heads towards the floor which is nicely dressed in tan carpeting with red trim. A square sunroof resides up top where the light colored headliner shows a touch of wear. The boot, or trunk has a custom cloth mat that contours over the casing that holds the spare.

Drivetrain
The car is equipped with a 278.7ci inline six cylinder with 2 HS6 Su carburetors and a horsepower rating of 130. Its mated to a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the 3.07 gears in back.

Undercarriage
Lots of surface rust and oxidation and just general age, along with some sludge and oil build up on an otherwise intact underside. Drum brakes are supplied to all four wheels and dual exhaust travels through stock style mufflers and resonators on its way to an exit through rust covered tips that protrude widely out back. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
We take our seat on the opposite side and roll this regal ride on to the test loop where we notice some rough running right from the start. We keep it short and perform a function test during which all items available to the driver operate as they should, and its back to our castle with this Bentley. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

With some TLC, this could make its way to the next All England show or even go to work as a wedding ride for the newly joined couple. The possibilities are endless with this classic British saloon with the famous family name.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!