• One of only 25 “A”-series examples of the Continental from a total production run of 207
• Supplied new by Franco-Britannic Automobiles of Levallois-Perret; only four French owners from new
• An icon of 1950s opulence combining timeless exterior design with a finely appointed interior

When Rolls-Royce’s Chief Projects Engineer Ivan Evernden set out to create a high-performance Bentley for the 1950s, his challenge was to meld refinement and sophistication with true pace. Though no easy feat, the goal was achieved with aplomb. A top speed of around 190 km/h awarded the Continental the status of the world’s fastest four-seater, yet the R-Type retained all the luxurious qualities associated with the Bentley name. When unveiled, the Bentley was one of the most elegant cars ever produced—an accolade it still carries to this day.

Clothed in aluminium bodywork by H.J. Mulliner, the Continental gained a performance edge thanks to its relatively light weight and carefully honed aerodynamics, courtesy of the Rolls-Royce wind tunnel. Beneath its skin, the car employed the same “cruciform” chassis and running gear as its saloon sister models, while mechanical upgrades were surprisingly few. The model cost £6,928 at a time when the average UK annual salary was £468, meaning only the wealthiest of enthusiasts could afford this decadent masterpiece. As a result, the production run ended with 207 units after a three-year run.

The first 25 “A”-series Continental models—including this example, chassis BC23A—employed the earlier Bentley Mk VI chassis. Originally finished in black, the R-Type was ordered for delivery in September 1952 and despatched to Franco-Britannic Automobiles of Levallois-Perret in early 1953. The right-hand-drive Bentley was delivered to its first owner, Jacques Foussier, on 31 March and remained with him for the next decade. The Continental was retained by its second owner, Monsieur Roussel, until the mid-1970s, when it was acquired by the collector, Alain Rouhaud. As a tongue-in-cheek gesture, during Rouhaud’s 40-year custodianship the Bentley sported a bust of Lenin in place of the usual winged “B” mascot, although the latter has since been reinstated. The Continental passed to its fourth owner in December 2016.

Equipped with desirable lightweight seats, manual gearbox, and rear wheel spats, as well as period-correct yellow headlamps, this quintessential post-war Bentley underwent at least €20,000-worth of improvements at Atelier Tisserand Restauration of La Chapelle-Gauthier, France, in 2021. A workshop invoice detailing the work completed can be viewed as part of the car’s history file.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve23.