1952 Bentley R-Type Continental
- Engine
- 4.9L OHV inline-six, twin SU carburetors, ~178 bhp
- Colour
- Circassian Blue
Bentley R-Type Continental chassis BC14LA is one of only 207 examples built, and among just 43 in left-hand drive configuration. Commissioned in 1952 by William A.M. Burden Jr. — Vanderbilt heir, ambassador, and MoMA president — to exacting personal specifications, it later received a factory-fitted 4.9-litre engine upgrade. Passing through a distinguished succession of owners, the car was restored to concours standard and earned a Best in Class at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,347,500
- 1952 → 1959Factory deliveryWilliam A.M. Burden, Jr.full documentation
Ordered new via J.S. Inskip in Manhattan; delivered to his home in Mount Kisco, New York in late October 1952. Car was later stored in Paris before being traded in toward a newer S1 variant.
- 1959 → 1960-05-01Private saleJ.S. Inskippartial documentation
Dealership collected the car from France and repatriated it to the United States, holding it briefly before supplying it to the next buyer.
- 1960-05-01 → 1962Private salePeter van Gerbigpartial documentation
New York socialite from a prominent wealthy family and established Rolls-Royce and Bentley customer. Sent the car back to the factory for an upgraded 4.9-litre engine and bumper change before its return to the US.
- 1963 → 1979Acquisition unknownBurgess Standleypartial documentation
- 1979 → 1985Private saleGilbert St. Edward, Jr.partial documentation
- 1985 → 1991Private saleNicholas Jonespartial documentation
Owner based in Chile.
- 1991 → 1999Private saleWilliam E. Connorpartial documentation
Noted enthusiast who kept the car at his London residence.
- 1999 →Private saleErwin Lyonfull documentation
Respected collector known for restoring cars to an exceptionally high standard; had extensive cosmetic and mechanical work carried out by Paul Russell and Company in Massachusetts, with particular attention to suspension, brakes, and interior.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownOrin Smithpartial documentation
Continued high-level maintenance including an S1 Continental cylinder head conversion by Vantage Motorworks; car finished in Circassian Blue with dove grey interior during his tenure.
Competition
- 20112011 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
Car presented in its restored Circassian Blue livery with dove grey interior.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1952Modification
Original lightweight seats replaced with later S1-type seats at the first owner's request, following complaints about comfort during touring use.
- 1961Modification
Factory-fitted upgrade to the 4.9-litre engine, the most powerful unit available for the R-Type Continental; bumpers changed to the Wilmot Breedon pattern.
Work arranged by the second owner, Peter van Gerbig; car returned to the US in 1962.
- —RestorationPaul Russell & Company
Extensive cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment covering suspension, brakes, and interior woodwork and upholstery, carried out to an exceptionally high standard.
Commissioned during Erwin Lyon's ownership; supported by receipts on file.
- —Engine rebuildVantage Motorworks
S1 Continental cylinder head conversion carried out to improve power output and performance.
Undertaken during Orin Smith's ownership.
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