1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J Mulliner

Description

According to the Bentley R-Type Continental register and copies of the original build documents, chassis number BC14D was road tested on 22 September 1954 and completed on 4th October 1954. Bodied to the most desirable design, H.J Mulliner’s Fastback Sports Saloon, it was specified with several unusual custom options for its first owner, including a divided front bench seat, a steering wheel offset an extra 2 1.2 inches to the right, “Wraith-type” lightweight bumper overriders, a dashboard radio with an additional speaker, and map pockets and elbow rests on the doors, as well as flat plain radiator cap without the “Flying B”, and the optional automatic transmission.

Interestingly, the car was not delivered to the original owner, steamship line executive William A. Headlam of Raithwaite Hall in Whitby, Yorkshire, until 15th March 1955, via Myers & Burners Ltd., the area’s Bentley agents. It has had a known and continuous ownership history since, passing in 1959 to J. Stephenson, a friend of Jack Barclay, in 1966 to the Hon. R.H.C Neville; in 1975 to J.R. Wild; and in 1988 to A.G. Eliades. The car comes complete with an extensive history file including Jack Barclay service records, registration documents and build records.

The current owner purchased the car in late 2016 and has since invested a considerable amount of time and effort to ensure the car is in fantastic condition. The car has been mechanically investigated and all issues have been resolved including an engine and gearbox rebuild, overhaul to all engine bay details and a fully serviced.

This classic has been turned into a fully viable modern vehicle with a heated front screen, air con, in-cabin heat controls, power steering and a recent restoration to all gauges including speedometer, temperature and petrol gauge in line with all polished wood trims, including the dashboard. All exterior components including the bumpers, radiator shell and moldings have been re-chromed, with the front wings and bonnet recently undergoing a respray.

There have been new carpets fitted throughout the car and sound deadening has been fitted also, including the boot. The toolkit has undergone a full refurb which puts the finish touch on this magnificent car.