1954 Bentley R-Type Continental
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1954 Bentley R-Type Continental
Production of the Bentley R-Type started in 1952 and continued through 1955. A great departure from Bentley's traditional chauffeur-driven sedan, the Continental was designed to be driven by the owner-enthusiast. Only 208 cars were built during the three-year period and just 43 had left-hand drive.
Profiles of the Continental and the Bentley Mark VI standard sedan are indistinguishable up to the rear edge of the front doors, beyond that point the "fastback" design of the Continental incorporates a rear window and a sweeping truck lid that results in a more spacious luggage compartment. The R-Type was delivered as a rolling-chassis for the creation of custom coachwork.
Most Continentals were fastbacks built by H.J. Mulliner & Company in London. Park Ward in London built six, Graber in Switzerland built three, Franay in Paris bodied five (including the car pictured here), and Pininfarina in Italy created one.
The R-Type Continental with its 4.5 liter engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and rear axle geared for high-speed touring could maintain 120-mph speeds for hours without breaking a sweat.
Manufacturer: Bentley Motor Cars Ltd., London, Crewe, England
Coachwork: Franay Carrossier, Paris, France
Specifications
Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line
Bore/Stroke: 3.95"/4.5"
Displacement: 298.2-cid (4,566cc)
Horsepower: 122 @ 4400 rpm
Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson
Date: June, 2005
Location: Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, California
