This beautiful left-hand drive (LHD) 1954 Bentley R-Type Standard Steel Saloon (body no. 6891) is a wonderful driving example that can be enjoyed on tours and regional concours events. This R-Type was ordered new with many specific specifications for temperate climates and includes the desirable automatic transmission and sunroof. This is the later Big Boot and big bore model with the larger trunk, dual exhaust and larger more powerful engine. In total, this makes for a very comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
This Bentley was custom ordered in December of 1953 and was delivered to its original owner in the Middle East in March of 1954. Special features were added to accommodate the climate and conditions of the region. The suspension was tailored for maximum shock damping and springing. The roof was padded with extra insulation for the high temperatures. A heavy-duty air cleaner was added to manage the dust from the roads. Sundym glass was installed throughout to reflect the sunlight and keep the inside of the car cooler.
The two previous owners and longtime RROC members and have enjoyed the Bentley for at least the last 52 years. Mr. Robert Goff of Little Rock, AR acquired the Bentley at least by 1971. The history file has numerous letters to Rolls-Royce and many invoices as well. By 1991, Dr. Ronald Winters from Little Rock, AR acquired the Bentley and enjoyed it until 2022. The last owner is also an RROC member, Mr. Greg Nolan of Palm Springs. The Bentley was traded in toward a gorgeous Silver Cloud. Mr. Nolan invested over $30,000 over the past two years rebuilding the automatic transmission, five new blackwall radial tires, new brake drums, brake master and wheel cylinders, rebuilding the brake servo, new rear shocks and electronic ignition, to highlight some of the service work.
The striking Claret and Black livery has wonderful depth and shine and is complemented by the new black wall Coker Classic radials and its brilliant chrome and stainless trim. The paint has a beautiful, rich finish, and has been fully color sanded and polished. The paint has wonderful shine and luster. Red pinstriping has been applied and looks terrific. The chrome on the bumpers and grill surround are in particularly lovely condition, although there is some pitting in the center taillight chrome. The Bentley comes with a drivers side rear-view mirror, dual fender mounted mirrors, a correct period spotlight and auxiliary fog lights. We love the very large sunroofs featured on these later R-Types. (We have over 160 photos, three videos and more on our Classic Promenade website)
The interior overall shows very well. The wood trim is in overall good condition showing some patina. The newer burgundy leather interior is equally as nice and is very soft and supple. There is very minor superficial creasing in the burgundy leather. The Wilton wool carpets are in good condition, with slight shrinkage and wear by the driver's heel pad. The steering wheel is good but has many small cracks. The picnic tables are in excellent condition.
This Bentley R-type features the later larger displacement 4.6 liter straight six with twin SU carburetors, dual exhaust, and can accomplish speeds of over 100 mph and maintain speeds of 70-80 mph on the highway. Mechanically this Bentley is in wonderful driving condition. The cars 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and easily and starts right up. For decades, this Bentley has been garaged and regularly maintained by certified Bentley Mechanics. The chassis and undercarriage are all in good condition, cleaned, detailed and free of rust.
This Bentley comes with a spare tire and jack tool kit with oil gun and tire pump. The small tool tray under the passenger seat is almost complete. She also has her service handbook, owners manual, and an extra set of keys. Also included is the file history spanning over 50 years!!
For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This Bentley is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.
