Description
1953 Bentley R-Type ‘Continental’ Special by Peter Rae.
If you are looking for the ultimate, then we think your search is over. Steal the show with this flamboyant and unique Bentley Motorcar which has WOW factor in spades. The rakish, bespoke coachwork, reminiscent of the French Bodybuilders of the 1930’s. was designed and created by Peter Rae, well known Bentley Special builder. It is a one-off specification four seater model with enormous road presence, looks like its about to break the sound barrier standing still!
Professionally-built about 20 years ago, it shows what can be achieved using a MkVI chassis, or in this case an R-Type Bentley, as the foundation for a classic sportscar, the like of which should really have been built by Bentley Motors themselves. However had the factory built this car they would probably have needed to reduce somewhat the 1, 000 hours spent from design to completion.
The bespoke, streamlined coachwork is reminiscent of the * 1939 Bentley 4 ½ Litre ‘Embiricos’ Coup, inarguably one of the most beautiful streamlined designs of all time‘, a car so rare, you’re more likely to spot a Unicorn, but you can turn heads just as readily with this distinctive tribute model and save a few million quid to boot.
Its creator, Peter Rae was the MD of RAE International (Bodybuilders) as well as Chairman of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club. He has personally built numerous Crewe Specials but he wanted to design and build a two door four seater open tourer with a more sensuous bodyline than his previous Bentleys, to recapture the style of the French coachbuilders of the late thirties and we think he achieved his goal with this one-off, aesthetically pleasing creation. It is based on a standard wheelbase R-Type and uses all standard components.
First on the road around 2015, (Peter estimated the finished value at £80, 000) The Bentley was originally campaigned in local classic events in Scotland but has been unused and garaged for the last few years, so this unique vehicle now in the market for a new keeper to show and enjoy.
Comes with lots of history, old green logbook, factory build sheets, Jack Barclay history, DVLA corres, bills from specialist firms, books & tools, MOT to May, 2025, hood, hood bag, full tonneau cover, club badges.
Car located in Lytham St Annes, Lancs, Specialist transport arranged at £1. 60 pr/ mile (one way only charged) Call John for more information about this very special Bentley
* Anecdotal History
In 1939, André Embiricos, a Greek shipping magnate and racing enthusiast, sought an elegant and aerodynamically advanced grand tourer.
The car was designed by the visionary Georges Paulin and crafted by the renowned French coachbuilder Carrosserie Pourtout, emphasising sleek, streamlined forms. The design was a radical departure from traditional Bentley styles. It featured smooth, flowing lines and a low-slung fastback profile, a groundbreaking look for its time. Its aerodynamic form, tested in wind tunnels, gave it a low drag coefficient and a significant speed advantage over its contemporaries, reportedly reaching speeds of 115 mph.
