Premium Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
6
-
Bentley – Type R – Year 1954
See original version (French)
6
-
Bentley – Type R – Year 1954
See original version (French)
Estimate €20,000 - €30,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Bentley – Type R – Year 1954
Automatic gearbox
Serial number: B18OYD
Engine number: 4.6-litre inline 6-cylinder
Standard French registration document
Production: 1953–1955 (2,320 units across all body styles)
Transmission: Automatic gearbox
Date of first registration: 21/09/1954
Mileage (unverified): (68,960 miles / 2,023)
Colour: Midnight Seychelles Blue with gold trim / red upholstery and precious wood
Condition: Roadworthy
Owned by the current owner since 2008
Extensive file of invoices (1983–1984, then from 2006 to the present, and MOTs from 2006 to 2022)
1957–1982 Silver Jubilee Rally number plate (RREC No. B18OYD issued by RR Motors in June 1982)
The Bentley Type R (or R-Type), produced between 1952 and 1955, epitomises the quintessential British luxury saloon. A twin to the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, the Bentley stands out for its rarity and its association with the ‘gentleman driver’: its passionate owner enjoys getting behind the wheel. It therefore benefits from a more powerful twin-carburettor setup and sportier, bespoke gearbox settings, whereas its sister model, the Rolls, is intended for chauffeurs and royalty. Under the long bonnet lies one of the most refined engines of its era. The quiet operation of the inline-six engine, its substantial torque even at the lowest revs, and the gear changes of the automatic gearbox – all fine-tuned by the engineers at Crewe – deliver legendary smoothness.
A veritable mobile English drawing room, the interior of the Bentley Type R is a showcase of the company’s craftsmanship. The hand-selected and hand-varnished burl walnut woodwork, the distinctive scent of the Connelly leather upholstery, the thick wool carpets, the hand-finished chrome trim, and the magnificent Smith instrument cluster are all touches that create a refined atmosphere in which one loves to travel. This is just as well, as with its smooth steering and spacious boot, the Bentley Type R is perfectly suited to long journeys.
Ivoire Troyes is delighted to offer this 1954 Bentley Type R. It is a factory-built right-hand-drive saloon. Originally two-tone red and black, this Type R underwent a classic restoration (around 1975) and now features its current colour, Seychelles Blue, taken from the Rolls-Royce colour chart. This change of colour suits the elegant lines of the Type R perfectly and blends harmoniously with the tones of the interior. However, some signs of age are apparent and the paintwork shows a few minor imperfections or chips in places. Otherwise, the bodywork is in fairly good overall condition, with correct panel alignment and chrome trim in good condition.
The interior is in a fine original condition, featuring varnished burl walnut wood trim and red leather upholstery with a delightful patina. In the same ownership since 2008, this Type R is registered under a standard vehicle registration certificate. Having had only two owners since 1982, this Bentley Type R has always been used and maintained regularly, as evidenced by the file of invoices. The gearbox, engine and, in particular, the running gear have received the attention required to maintain the car’s operational qualities; over the last twenty years, the costs incurred have totalled nearly 40,000 euros.
A rare example of a Type R in such excellent condition in terms of appearance, preservation and running order, this classic and elegant English saloon, with its attractive valuation, represents a wonderful opportunity for any ‘gentleman driver’ with a taste for luxury and refinement.
Expert: Mr ULYSSE James Tel 07 631 631 52 – CNES Classic Car Expert
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Classic cars, youngtimers and sports cars at the Troyes 48-hour Motor Race
Auction location
Auction time
09/13/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like