Description
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Coachwork by H. J. Mulliner
This 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback with Coachwork by H. J. Mulliner is a desirable manual floor shift example. Its paintwork is finished in a pleasing medium blue, which is repeated on the leather seat upholstery, carpets, and door panels. Walnut trim adorns the door caps and extends the full width of the dashboard. A wonderful driver that's fun and easy to shift through the gears. In September 2022 chassis BC36C was treated to a 20, 000-mile mechanical service by marque specialists P & A Wood.
Of the 208 R-Type Continental chassis built, 190 were fitted with Mulliner’s fastback design no. 7277, including this car, chassis BC36C. A right-hand-drive chassis, its build sheet on file lists a radio, scuttle aerial, and dashboard heater, along with a notation specifying “T series welded frame—specially strengthened.” The welded design provides greater rigidity over the earlier riveted design.
Originally finished in Shell Grey with blue interior trim and first delivered to William Herbert Harrison of Staffordshire, England through the Sanderson & Holmes dealership in June 1954. Mr. Harrison retained ownership for eight years, at which time the Continental passed through a series of British owners, including J. Gordon Spriggs, Brigadier C. C. Fairweather, R. G. Seys, and Michael W. Sapsford. On January 1, 1980, Douglas Hamilton acquired BC36C and during his 24 years of ownership participated in the 2002 Continental R-Type 50th anniversary celebration at Silverstone.
Upon its introduction, the R-Type Continental was recognized as the fastest four-seat saloon in the world. It defined grand touring with a combination of speed, comfort, and exclusivity that was without peer. Seventy years later, those virtues remain valid and are exemplified soundly in the motorcar offered here.
Bentley’s Most Significant Postwar Offering
One of Only 208 Continental R-Types Built
A Right-Hand-Drive, C-Series Chassis
Iconic, Lightweight H. J. Mulliner Fastback Coachwork
The Very Definition of Grand Touring
Price: $595, 000
