1953 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback

1953 Bentley ‘R’ Type Continental Fastback

Right-Hand Drive | Manual Gearbox | Lightweight Seats | UK Supplied

Heritage Classics are delighted to offer for sale one of the most revered and collectable motor cars of all time — the 1953 Bentley ‘R’ Type Continental Fastback.

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of British luxury motoring in the 1950s, the ‘R’ Type Continental was the first Bentley to carry the now-legendary Continental nameplate. Each car, though uniform in silhouette, was bespoke in detail and specification, with most bodied by the famed coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner. Notably ahead of its time, the Continental featured an all-aluminium body, painstakingly developed in a wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamics — a rarity in an era dominated by heavy steel construction.

Raymond Mays, writing in The Autocar in 1953, described the Continental as “the equal of modern racing cars, and superior to some”, and the press widely hailed it as a landmark in Bentley’s post-war evolution. Capable of a remarkable 120mph — with 100mph achievable in third gear — and effortlessly cruising at high speed, this was the fastest production four-seater in the world at its debut.

This exceptional example, chassis B.C20.C, was originally supplied by Chas. Atwood Ltd to its first owner, Mr B.P. Jenks, who specified it in Masons Black with Burgundy Connolly Hide (VM 3086), lightweight seats, and the coveted manual gearbox.

Presented today in accordance with its original 1953 works instruction sheet, this magnificent motor car has benefitted from a meticulous restoration, including:

• Complete mechanical overhaul

• Bare metal repaint in factory-original colours

• Full interior re-trim in correct Connolly hides (VM3086 Burgundy)

• New Wilton carpeting throughout

• New West of England cloth headlining

• Complete refurbishment of all wood veneers

Accompanying the car is a superbly comprehensive history file, featuring:

• Original Continental Sports Saloon Handbook

• Original Service Handbook

• Factory Car/Chassis Specification & Works Instructions

• Original Wiring Diagram, Parts Listings, and Technical Drawings

• Detailed vehicle log from 1971

• Historical maintenance invoices from October 1970

• RAF Car File dated April 1969

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored, historically important Bentley ‘R’ Type Continental Fastback — a true icon of British automotive craftsmanship, blending unrivalled performance, elegance, and provenance.