1953 Bentley R-Type Continental
- Engine
- 4.5L engine (cylinder configuration unspecified)
- Colour
- Shell Grey
Bentley R-Type Continental chassis BC8LB, built with left-hand drive and a 4.5-litre engine, was delivered in Montréal in 1953 to British journalist Nicholas Monsarrat, who immediately undertook a 4,600-mile coast-to-coast drive across Canada with his wife — an adventure he documented in the 1955 book 'Canada Coast to Coast'. The car passed through several Canadian owners before crossing to the United States in 1985, where it was comprehensively restored and became part of a noted coachbuilt Bentley collection.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$918,000
- 1953 → 1957-02-01Factory deliveryNicholas Monsarratfull documentation
British journalist who collected the car in Montréal after it arrived by ship; received a diplomatic discount on purchase and immediately had it modified for more sporting use. Used the car for a cross-Canada drive and published an account of the journey.
- 1957-02-01 → 1968Private saleJ.A. Vaughnpartial documentation
Canadian owner; car was resold through Rolls-Royce of Canada.
- 1968 → 1973-04-01Acquisition unknownDr. Burgesspartial documentation
Canadian owner; no further details given regarding use or condition during this period.
- 1973-04-01 → 1985-09-01Acquisition unknownIan McQuarriepartial documentation
Canadian owner; the car remained in Canada throughout his tenure.
- 1985-09-01 →Private saleCurrent consignorfull documentation
American collector who assembled a noted group of coachbuilt Bentleys; commissioned a full restoration by Vantage Motorworks in North Miami, during which the livery was changed and air conditioning added, while the original engine and tools were retained.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1953ModificationRolls-Royce of Canada
Shortly after delivery, the car was converted to a centre-shift gear change by Rolls-Royce of Canada, and prepared with a comprehensive spare-parts kit for the transcontinental drive.
- —RestorationVantage Motorworks
Full restoration carried out early in the current consignor's ownership; the colour was changed to Shell Grey with a red leather interior, and roof-ducted air conditioning was installed. The original numbers-matching engine, road tools, and a partial hand-tool set were retained.
Workshop located in North Miami, Florida.
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