Without doubt the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner is one of the chicest, most stylish and elegant sporting motor cars ever built and a true icon of the 1950's. This particular example was completed on October 25th, 1954 and delivered to its first owner, J. Ortiz-Linares in France via Franco-Britannic Motors. It passed through a handful of owners in France before finding its way back to England in the mid-1960's.

Acquired by its present, London based owner, in 2001, this magnificent late D series example was ordered from new without rear wheel spats giving it a more modern stance. As a late D series example it is also equipped with the desirable, larger displacement 4.9 litre, 6 cylinder engine, lightweight seats and 4 speed manual gearbox. Finished in the effortlessly classic colour combination of midnight blue with oxblood leather upholstery this is an extremely handsome example of the R Type ready, willing and able to deliver its occupants to the South of France...as fresh as when they started.

“Whatever memorable motoring experiences one may have had, this was something different…this Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started.” The Autocar.

Photos: Tim Scott