Description

The Bentley R-Type, produced between 1952 and 1955, was the successor to the Bentley Mark VI and marked an evolution in Bentley’s postwar design. Though it retained much of the Mark VI’s mechanical underpinnings, the R-Type introduced a longer rear end with a more spacious boot, which addressed one of the primary criticisms of its predecessor. This new rear design not only improved practicality but also gave the car a sleeker, more elegant silhouette that helped define Bentley’s styling direction in the 1950s.

Under the hood, the R-Type featured a 4.6-litre straight-six engine, which provided smooth and refined performance. Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic option becoming available later in the production run. The R-Type offered a quiet, composed ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension and solid build quality, making it ideal for both long-distance touring and urban driving.

The standard R-Type body was built by Bentley’s in-house coachbuilder, but many were also fitted with custom bodies by independent coachbuilders like H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and others. These bespoke versions ranged from elegant coupes to luxurious drophead convertibles and even a few unique shooting brake-style wagons.

Perhaps the most famous variant of the R-Type is the R-Type Continental, a high-performance grand tourer with a streamlined fastback body that could cruise comfortably at over 100 mph—an extraordinary figure for the time. But even the standard R-Type exuded a refined presence and solid engineering that made it a favorite among postwar luxury car buyers.

Today, the Bentley R-Type is cherished by collectors for its blend of classic styling, hand-built craftsmanship, and mechanical sophistication. It remains a symbol of understated luxury and British motoring excellence from an era when Bentley was reestablishing its identity in the postwar world.