1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Automatic H.J. Mulliner Fastback

Highlights

• One of the very last 'E' series R-Type Continentals with a 4.9-litre engine
• Not to be confused with a manual gearbox example, this ultra-rare automatic is one of only nine known to exist in right-hand drive
• Perfect for continental touring, comfortable and easy to drive
• Just four registered keepers from new, first ownership for 26 years, second family for 27 years.
• Delightfully original condition throughout with an undisturbed factory interior
• Original 1955 buff logbook and sales invoice included showing the original registration 'PYR 1'
• Recently re-commissioned, serviced, and readied for the road
• MoT until February 2027

The Appeal

The Bentley R-Type Continental was designed for one thing only: to be the best high-speed grand tourer money could buy. And you'd need a lot of money to buy one, costing the equivalent of more than three average houses in Britain at the time.
To this day, the R-Type Continental with 'Fastback' coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, remains one of the most sought-after early post-war British motorcars. Finding an example in delightfully original condition is increasingly rare, making this four-owner car with its fascinating provenance a truly remarkable discovery.

This is one of the very last R Type Continentals produced, an 'E' series model fitted with the desirable 4.9-litre engine and ultra-rare automatic gearbox. The vendor informs us that the coachwork is fabulously straight, sharp and precise, whilst the faded grandeur of its 'Dragonfly Blue' paintwork only adds to its appeal and patina. Inside, the interior is gorgeously undisturbed, featuring soft beige leather piped in blue, lovely woodwork, and remarkably, the original carpets remain intact and in good condition. For those who appreciate the significance of mature originality rather than over-restoration, this Continental offers something genuinely special.

The ownership history is equally compelling. First registered in 1955 to Major Aubrey William Schuster MBE of the Moor Park Estate in Rickmansworth, the car remained with him for 26 years. When his health began to fail in 1981, he sold it to his neighbour's son, the very same young man he had taken for a ride in the car years earlier. That family then kept the Continental for another 27 years until 2008, with just two further custodians since. The history file contains the original buff logbook from 1955, the sales invoice from new, and a letter from the first owner expressing his desire to find an appropriate caretaker for his beloved Bentley.

Recently re-commissioned and serviced, the car has been driven approximately 500 miles without missing a beat and is described as performing very nicely. With the added convenience of automatic transmission and comfortable seating, this may well be the only original R-Type Continental Fastback currently available that combines such provenance, condition, and usability. For collectors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this is it.

History and Paperwork

• UK market RHD car first registered in 1955
• Four registered keepers from new
• First owner Major Aubrey William Schuster kept the car for 26 years (1955-1981)
• Second ownership with one family for 27 years (1981-2008)
• Two further custodians from 2008 to present
• Original buff logbook from 1955
• Original sales invoice from when purchased new
• Letter from first owner regarding the sale of the car
• Extensive documentation in the accompanying history file
• Original Moor Park Golf Club badge (hart's head and dagger) still mounted on the car
• Recently re-commissioned and serviced
• Exempt from road tax and MOT
• 69,062 miles indicated

The Condition

• The coachwork is fabulously straight, sharp and precise
• Somewhat faded largely original 'Dragonfly Blue' paintwork contributes to a stunning patina
• Interior gorgeously undisturbed and presents well according to the vendor
• Soft leather upholstery in beige, piped in blue
• Lovely woodwork throughout
• Original carpets intact and in good condition
• Full tool kit and jack

The Continental was engineered for high-speed cruising, so it boasted an aerodynamic shape while proudly displaying the upright Bentley grille synonymous with the sporting marque. This is undoubtedly one of the most striking designs of the 1950s.
Offered in very good condition, while sporting a charming patina of age, this car is in supremely usable order. As the photographs attest, the body is straight and solid, while the 'Dragonfly Blue' paint has worn very gently as befits the car's considerable age. The cabin is an utter delight: a symphony of softened hides and exquisite marquetry. Arguably, nothing before or since has ever surpassed this level of luxury and class.

The Mechanics

• 4.9-litre straight-six engine
• Four-speed GM Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with direct-drive in top gear
• 'E' series - one of the very last R-Type Continentals produced
• Recently re-commissioned and serviced
• The vendor reports the car is performing very nicely: recently driven 450 miles without missing a beat

Not to be confused with a manual gearbox example, this exceptionally rare automatic gearbox version is one only nine are known to exist in right-hand drive. These cars were designed for relaxed touring, an activity incompatible with the rigours of using a right-hand manual gear-change (on right-hand drive models). The GM Hydra-Matic also boasted a taller top gear than its four-speed manual counterpart, ideal for long-distance jaunts across Europe.
All presents very nicely indeed under the bonnet of our Bentley, and the vendor informs us that it drives well, having performed admirably during recent testing.
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