1953 Bentley R-Type

1953 Bentley R Type Special.

Chassis number: B-52-UM

Registration Number: 1-OAL-534 Belgium EEC Taxes paid.

A labor of love over 5 or so years & investment of over 210,000 Euros in addition to the cost of the donor car. This special has been constructed without regard to expense & has a massive 4" thick file of bills far too numerous to photograph & list here detailing all the works done to it. It is now due to be sold due to the declining health of the owner who had it built.

The body is of rolled aluminium & loosely copies a Hooper design found on a Belgian Derby bentley. Great attention to detail has gone into it including having specially manufactured a set of oversized wheels in order to keep the proportions correct. The car is in as new condition having done less then 2000 miles since build. EZ power steering has been fitted making the car very very easy to drive.

The old English white exterior is in flawless condition. To the interior are seats from a modern Jaguar beautifully upholstered in tan leather. The carpets under foot are black as is the mohair roof. Great thought went into the roof mechanism to make it easy to lower after releasing the two retaining catches on the header rail. The design was configured such that the hood fully disappears into the recess behind the front seats which is also a useful area to stow a picnic basket. An entirely new dash has been constructed in wood & suits the car admirably.

Every single mechanical item has been taken out, assesed & rebuilt as required. The engine was sent to the UK to be rebuilt which is also where the oversize wire wheels were fabricated. The boot is generously sized allowing for considerable luggage to be carried. A wind deflector comes with the car & mounts into two slots in the rear. There is also a perfectly formed hood bag to cover the hood when down. Twin fuel fillers are inset to the tops of the rear wings one of which is a dummy to keep symmetry with the working one.

To sum up: this is an as new Bentley Special in wonderful order & a great candidate for rallies or long distance touring with excellent creature comforts. It is fast, comfortable & fully sorted ready for immediate use.

Viewings are in Belgium by appointment near Kortrijk or Antwerp.