"The R-Type is the second series of post-war Bentley motorcars and replaced the Mk. VI. Essentially a larger boot version of the Mk. V. The R type was a development of the Mk 6 Bentley with several mechanical improvements such as higher rear axle ratios, the chassis and engine being carried forward into the later S class which remained in production until the Silver Shadow of 1966. As with its predecessor, a standard body was available as well as coachbuilt versions by firms including H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Harold Radford, Freestone and Webb and others. Even by this date, there was little difference (other than the radiator grilles and the carburation) between the standard Bentley R-Type and the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, though Bentley was still the more popular sporting marque. Indeed, the vast majority of cars produced were Bentleys with some 2,500 units manufactured during the R-Type's run. During development, it was referred to as the Bentley Mk. VII; even the chassis cards for these cars describe them as Bentley 7's. The R-Type name, which is now usually applied, stems from chassis series RT. The front of the saloon model was identical to the Mk. VI but the boot was almost doubled in capacity and the engine increased in displacement from 4¼ to 4½ litres. This elegant example was purchased new by Lady Lever of Lever Brothers and has had only two owners in the past 30 years. The present owner purchased the car to relive the happy memories of his father owning an R-Type in the 1960s. This car was the best of many cars viewed by our vendor and was then bare metal re-sprayed by B & G Coachworks of Royston, at a cost of around £17,000, who can confirm that it was virtually rust and rot free, as it had been protected for many years having several layers of paint providing the weather protection (three of the four doors required no repair) and all rubbers were replaced at the same time. As the vendor is in his seventies, electric power steering was fitted which transforms the car into one finger parking! We are informed by the vendor that the engine is so quiet it is almost silent. This wonderful British classic comes with a full set of small tools and a set of large tools which are kept in the boot. MoT test certificates dating from 1993 accompany the car and these would appear to indicate that the current mileage may be correct. A quiet and very usable car, only being offered for sale due to ill health, at a fraction of the money spent by the current vendor."