1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback
- Engine
- Period-correct R-Type Continental unit (replaced); configuration details not specified
- Colour
- Blue grey over green
Chassis BC11D is one of just 207 examples of the Bentley R-Type Continental, the world's fastest four-seater of its era with a top speed approaching 120 mph. Bodied in aluminium by H.J. Mulliner with a Fastback profile, it was delivered new in September 1954 and is specified with desirable lightweight seats and a manual gearbox. The car passed through several owners in England, Monaco, and Switzerland before undergoing a comprehensive six-year restoration in the early 2000s under marque authority Peter J. Fischer.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold £488,750 (≈ $611K)
- 1954-09-14 → 1966Factory deliveryJ.F.R. Mitchellfull documentation
Original purchaser, ordered through agent Grose Ltd and took delivery via Murkett Brothers Ltd retailer. Car was finished in Blue Grey over Green trim.
- 1966 → 1977Acquisition unknownColonel W.A. Howkinspartial documentation
Based in Monaco; the car remained there throughout his ownership spanning roughly eleven years.
- 1977 → 1980InheritanceB.W. and J.A. Howkinspartial documentation
Believed to be family members of the prior owner; the car returned to England during this period.
- 1980 → 1981-04-01Acquisition unknownMichael Lesterpartial documentation
Brief tenure commencing early in 1980, prior to the car moving to Swiss ownership.
- 1981-04-01 → 2002Acquisition unknownRene Wilhelmpartial documentation
Swiss owner who held the car for approximately two decades before selling to a noted marque specialist.
- 2002 → 2009-07-01Private salePeter J. Fischerpartial documentation
Well-regarded Bentley authority who undertook a roughly six-year restoration; a period-correct engine from another R-Type Continental was fitted, along with a metal sunroof and discreet modern audio equipment.
- 2009-07-01 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Purchased from P&A Wood, a specialist Bentley and Rolls-Royce dealer in Essex; the car has been used on tours and club events during this ownership.
Competition
- 2014Europe by Bentley 2014
Touring rally organised by the Bentley Drivers Club; the car participated while in the hands of the current owner.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A comprehensive six-year restoration carried out by marque authority Peter J. Fischer, returning the car to the condition in which it is currently presented.
Restoration is understood to have begun around 2002 and concluded approximately 2008, though precise dates are not confirmed in the catalogue.
- —Engine rebuild
The original engine was replaced during the restoration period with a period-correct unit sourced from another R-Type Continental; the fitted engine, numbered BCD32, originates from chassis BC33D.
Replacement is described as period-correct rather than a like-for-like original component.
- —Modification
A metal sunroof was installed, along with discreetly integrated modern convenience features including a concealed audio system.
These modifications are understood to have been made during or around the Fischer restoration period.
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