Description
This is lot number 141 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
One of only 208 examples produced
Original engine
Automatic transmission
Known ownership history
Present ownership since 1985
Winner of the Driver's Trophy at the model's 50th Anniversary Celebration at Silverstone in August 2002
Swedish registration document
"The vocabulary of motoring being a lame and limited thing, it is difficult to put into words the gulf that separates a Continental from the average car in all the qualities that have a bearing on safety at speed. In acceleration, in braking, in cornering power, in roadholding, in responsiveness to the controls, this Bentley is the equal of modern racing cars, and superior to some." Raymond Mays, The Autocar, 2nd October 1953.
Described by The Autocar as, "A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley," the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction in 1952 on the R-Type chassis.
The Continental raised this already superlative combination of high performance and exceptional refinement to hitherto unattained levels. Unlike the ordinary 'standard steel' R-Type, the Continental was bodied in the traditional manner and first appeared with what many enthusiasts consider to be the model's definitive style of coachwork - the lightweight, aluminium, wind tunnel-developed fastback of H J Mulliner, as seen here. In developing the Continental, Bentley Motors made every effort to keep its weight to the minimum, knowing that this was the most effective way to achieve the maximum possible performance.
Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder engine had been enlarged from 4, 257cc to 4, 556cc in 1951, and as installed in the Continental benefited from an increase in compression ratio - the maximum power output, of course, remained unquoted but has been estimated at around 153bhp. Power was further increased with the introduction of a 4, 887cc engine on the 'D' and 'E' series cars, commencing in May 1954. The Continental's performance figures would have been considered excellent for an out-and-out sports car but for a full four/ five-seater they were exceptional: a top speed of 120mph (193kph), 100mph achievable in third gear, 50mph (80kph) reached in a little over 9 seconds, and effortless cruising at the 'ton' (161kph).
Built for export only at first, the Continental was, once delivery charges and local taxes had been paid, almost certainly the most expensive car in the world as well as the fastest capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. "The Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started," concluded Autocar.
Chassis number 'BC39D' was completed on 7th September 1954 and left the factory finished in Silver Metalescence with red interior trim and equipped with automatic transmission. Other notable features specified included slit pockets in doors; armrests; overlay carpet; a backlight blind; and compartments in back of seats with notebook, mirror, compact, brush and comb. First registered in the UK as 'PYP 254', the Continental also came with a set of six Victor fitted suitcases.
Sold via Jack Barclay Ltd, the car was invoiced on 25th January 1955 and delivered to first owner C H Dracoulis on 21st March 1955. The Hueber & Sulzberger Bentley Continental Sports Saloon Register lists a further four owners in England before the car was sold to Count Bertil Bernadotte in Sweden on 1st January 1965. The Count was to paint the car in the current shade of blue and applied a discreet monogram on each door and tail.
'BC39D' then had two further custodians in Sweden before passing to committed motoring enthusiasts Gunnar and Helen Elmgren on 18th March 1985. Gunnar, former CEO of the Swedish Automobile Sport Federation and subsequently President of the FIA Historic Motor Sport Commission would regularly be seen racing his Veritas and Maserati 250F and 6CM on the European circuit in the 1980s/ 90s, whereas Helen is still the custodian of her mother's Austin-Healey 100 that the family bought new. While with the Elmgrens, 'BC39D' would be used and enjoyed and attended the model's 50th Anniversary Celebration at Silverstone in August 2002, winning the Driver's Trophy. It was not uncommon to see the Elmgrens arrive at a circuit in their Continental, towing their race car!
Sadly, Gunnar died in 2007 but Helen kept the Bentley and has continued to enjoy it as she and Gunnar did. However, the time has now come for the car to be sold. Driven recently by a Bonhams specialist, the Continental handled very well; oil and water maintained good temperature readings while the precise steering, good brakes and balance, and smooth gear change were all to be appreciated. The car has exceptionally straight panels with matching shut lines and has always been well maintained, even returning to renowned UK marque specialists P&A Wood for extensive servicing and a gearbox overhaul. The interior is gently and charmingly patinated, with excellent woodwork, while the paintwork presents very well having benefitted from a respray just 10 years ago. Registered in Sweden and offered with a comprehensive history file.
With its outstanding aerodynamic coachwork, developed by Rolls-Royce stylist John Blatchley in collaboration with coachbuilder H J Mulliner, the R-Type Continental fastback remains the pinnacle of Bentley's achievements in the post-war era.
