1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Special

Highlights

• One-off bespoke coachwork designed by Peter Rae, former Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club
• Professionally built special with over 1,000 hours spent from design to completion
• Inspired by the rare 1939 Bentley 4½ Litre 'Embiricos' Coupé
• Comes with extensive history, including factory build sheets and Jack Barclay documentation

The Appeal

The Bentley R-Type has long been revered as one of the most elegant and capable grand tourers of the post-war era, but this particular example takes that legacy in a completely different direction. This is a truly unique creation - a one-off special with bespoke coachwork designed and built by Peter Rae, the former Managing Director of RAE International (Bodybuilders) and Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club.
The rakish, streamlined bodywork draws inspiration from the legendary 1939 Bentley 4½ Litre 'Embiricos' Coupé and the French coachbuilders of the 1930s, resulting in a four-seater open tourer with tremendous road presence and distinctive style that stands apart from any other Bentley.

Built approximately 20 years ago with first road use around 2015, this special represents over 1,000 hours of skilled craftsmanship from design to completion. Based on a standard wheelbase R-Type chassis and using all standard components, it combines classic Bentley engineering with flamboyant, head-turning aesthetics that are loaded with character. Originally campaigned in local classic events in Scotland, this is a truly remarkable one-off classic that's ready and waiting for its lucky new owner.

History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1953 as an R-Type Bentley
• Professionally rebuilt as a special around 2003
• Completed and first on the road around 2015
• Previously used in local classic events in Scotland before being garaged for the last few years
• MOT recently expired - though it's notable this was advisory-free
• Comes with extensive documentation including:
  • The original green logbook
  • Factory build sheets
  • Jack Barclay history
  • DVLA correspondence
• Accompanied by:
  • Books
  • Tools
  • Hood and hood bag
  • Full tonneau cover
  • Club badges
• Currently located in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

The Condition

• Bespoke streamlined coachwork designed to evoke the style of 1930s French coachbuilders
• Two-door, four-seater open tourer configuration
• Bodywork appears in smart condition, having covered little mileage since rebuild
• No dents, dings or notable corrosion we can discern
• Brightwork contrasts beautifully
• Glasswork and lenses nicely kept
• Comes with a hood and full tonneau cover
• Features various club badges
• Interior is very nicely kept with rich, sumptuous-looking upholstery
• Vertical-grain woodwork and cappings are very nicely presented
• All instruments appear clean and legible
• Dashboard in good overall order

The Mechanics

• 4.6-litre straight-six engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Standard R-Type Bentley chassis and components
• Professionally built by Peter Rae, a specialist in Bentley specials
• Designed with aerodynamic principles in mind, inspired by the wind tunnel-tested Embiricos Bentley
• Currently garaged and would likely benefit from recommissioning after several years of limited use

BEFORE YOU BUY

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