1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner
- Engine
- 4.9L inlet-over-exhaust inline-six, two SU carburettors, 178 bhp
- Colour
- Black over brown
Chassis BC16LA is the 15th Bentley R-Type Continental produced, one of only 24 built in 1953 and among 193 bodied by H.J. Mulliner to their Sports Saloon design. Delivered new to San Francisco for its first owner, a Texas ranching and New York banking heir, it was specified with numerous factory options including centre gear-change — the first R-Type Continental so equipped. The car subsequently passed through several notable American collections, was recommissioned under respected stewardship, and carries its original engine number BCA15.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,525,000
- 1953 →Factory deliverySvante Magnus Swensonfull documentation
Original owner; heir to a Texas ranching and New York banking fortune and a longtime Rolls-Royce and Bentley customer. Returned the vehicle to England in 1954 and subsequently transported it to Le Touquet, France, in late April of that year.
- 1953-01-15 →Factory deliveryKjell Qvalefull documentation
West Coast dealer who received the car at San Francisco for display purposes; served as the delivery point rather than a personal ownership role.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGlenn Moungerpartial documentation
Respected collector and former chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance who acquired the car after a lengthy period in storage and oversaw its careful recommissioning.
- Date unknownPrivate saleJames Pattersonpartial documentation
Well-known automotive enthusiast who owned the car after Mounger before it passed to its present custodian.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1965Modification
The original engine was replaced with a later, larger-bore unit (3¾-inch bore), with the original powerplant BCA15 reportedly transferred to a different chassis.
The original engine BCA15 has since been reunited with the car, suggesting either a registry error or a subsequent reinstallation.
- —Service
Thorough recommissioning carried out following an extended period of storage, returning the car to running and presentable condition.
Work directed by Glenn Mounger during his period of ownership.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive restoration to an immaculate standard, resulting in deep paintwork in black over brown, tight leather interior, and polished brightwork throughout.
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