LHD 1953 Bentley R Type

This 1953 Bentley R-Type saloon is a left-hand-drive example made for the US market and powered by a 4.6-liter inline-6 mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Finished in Royal Garnet over Cream with Claret colored Connolly leather hides, it is one of 2,320 R-Types produced between 1952 and 1955. It was the recipient of a no-expense-spared restoration under previous ownership and has resided in a private collection since complete. This R-Type is now offered by the selling dealer with factory manuals and a California title.

The Standard Steel body was refinished in its current Royal Garnet over Cream. The exterior features a polished grille, rear-hinged front doors, Lucas fog lights, chrome over-riders, a sliding sunroof, and dual fender, mounted chrome side mirrors. The bumpers, brightwork, and trim have all been re-chromed and refinished. Since the restoration, this Bentley has been stored by its owner in a climate-controlled facility in southern California.

Polished stainless wheel covers feature an embossed Bentley logo with painted centers and contrasting hand-painted pinstripes. The steel wheels are fitted with four wide whitewall tires.

The restored interior features Claret-colored Connolly leather seats piped in white with matching door panels and carpeting, while the dash, door caps, and fold-down picnic trays are trimmed in burl walnut. Features include a Mohair headliner, factory sliding sunroof, and the addition of modern air conditioning.

The three-spoke steering wheel features a center horn button and rotary control on the hub that allows the driver to adjust ride stiffness. Smiths instrumentation includes an analog clock and a 110 mph reverse-sweep speedometer. There are 22,566 miles shown on the five-digit odometer, although true mileage is unknown.

The 4.6 litre inline-6 has an iron block with an aluminum head, and it is fueled by dual SU carburetors and equipped with an electric choke. During the restoration, the wiring and electronics were upgraded to a 12-volt system. Shifting is handled by a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The suspension features independent coil springs up front and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, while brakes are a combination of hydraulic drums in front and mechanical drums at the rear.  Additional photos of the underside are included in the gallery below.

The carpeted trunk is fitted with a whitewall spare tire, factory jack and tool kit.