As is customary, Bonhams will hold an auction at the annual RREC meeting at Kelmarsh Hall, Northants. It’s not exclusively a Rolls-Royce Sale, in fact one of the most attractive entries is this 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Coupé, with Coachwork by HJ Mulliner, estimated at £50,000 - 60,000.

With R-Type Continental values moving ever-skywards, there’s also been a distinct increase in prices of the ‘S’ series coupés that replaced the ‘R’ in 1955. A nicer car many say, with just as elegant lines and greater practicality too. The example shown here had been owned for some 40 years by Colonel, Lord Langford, during which time it had been maintained at Crewe. The Property of a Deceased Estate, the dark green car with paler green leather (nicely patinated from the catalogue photos) looks an attractive buy.

R-Type enthusiasts will be interested in the 1953 Coupé with Coachwork by ED Abbott, estimated at £45,000 - 50,000. The catalogue description will explain it in fuller detail, but precis-ing frantically it’s an elegant coupé built as part of a short series by respected coachbuilders Abbot having many features of the ultra-desirable Mulliner-bodied cars such as shorter radiator shell and matrix, 12/41 rear diff and special 120 mph speedo. There’s also a standard 1954 Bentley R-Type Saloon, £18,000 - 22,000, and it’s older brother, the 1948 Bentley MkVI 4½-Litre Saloon at £15,000 - 20,000.

1953 Bentley R-Type Coupé Coachwork by ED Abbott Estimate: £45,000 - 50,000

1974 Bentley T-Series Saloon Estimate: £1,000 - 2,000

Of the examples of Rolls-Royce, a significant proportion are pre-war cars, such as the 1935 20/25 Limousine, £25,000 - 30,000, the 1936 Phantom III Limousine, £34,000 - 38,000, the 1928 40/50hp Phantom I Regent Convertible Coupé, £65,000 - 85,000, and the 1935 20/25hp Enclosed Limousine Landaulette, £35,000 - 40,000.

We always like a bargain, and two cars – one from either camp – spring to mind. There’s the 1969 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Coupé at just £7,000 - 9,000, or why not really take the plunge and bid on the 1974 Bentley T-Series Saloon for £1,000 - 2,000? , a car that looks reasonable in the catalogue but is described as being ‘not roadworthy due to many factors…’ Bonhams (the killjoys) then list a litany of mechanical work needed under the rather attractive two-tone grey bodywork.


Prior to the motor car sale some 350-odd pieces of automobilia will be auctioned, including The Motoring Library of the Late Brian Crookall.

Please CLICK HERE to see the full lotlisting.

Bonhams Motor Cars Dept. 101 New Bond Street London W1S 1SR UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7468 5801 Fax: +44 (0)20 7468 5802 Email: [email protected]

Text - Steve Wakefield
Photos - Bonhams

---

ClassicInside - The Classic Driver Newsletter
Free Subscription!