Coys Auction - True Greats
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Tuesday 7 December 2010
When Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley in 1931, it introduced a new range which was marketed with the powerful sales line 'The Silent Sports Car'. The cars combined Rolls-Royce build quality with excellent handling and brakes and were highly prized by those (including racing drivers) who needed to cover long distances at speed.
The Bentley marque preserved the reputation for fine performance gained by the Cricklewood cars, but in the tricky market conditions of the post WWII era the distinction between the two makes began to blur, almost to the point of being badge-engineered – that it, until the unveiling of the R-Type Bentley Continental in 1952.
When it was announced in 1952, the Continental was the world's fastest four-seater in the world, with a top speed of 120mph. It was also the most expensive production car, which helps to explain why only 207 were built. It was appointed