1954 Bentley R Type Continental automatic H.J.Mulliner Fastback

A late example of the iconic fastback, benefiting from the 4.9 litre engine, which was only fitted to ‘D’ and ‘E’ series cars. This one also has an automatic gearbox and the larger, better padded seats, making the car very easy, comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The car is in lovely condition and beautifully finished in the original colour of metallic Regal red, and re-upholstered in recent times, including red piping to the leather, also as per original specification. The woodwork is gorgeous, with lovely veneers incorporating cross-banding ornamentation, and the carpets and headlining are absolutely excellent and very fresh. The engine compartment is clean, correct and well-presented, showing care and attention, and is just the way we like to see them, not ‘over the top’ or over-prepared. Rectification and repair work in recent years by a specialist amounted to more than £18,000. Has been with one family for 44 years, is all correct, driving very nicely and is in excellent condition throughout. Offered, prepared, serviced and MoT tested until August 2025.

Price £ 550,000

Snippets: Screen, Speed & 007

Samuel John Harris of Cinema Press Ltd registered BC38D at both his home of 92 Cheyne Walk and his business “The Cinema” 93 Wardour Street both in London’s West End. Sam Harris came from a family with many noteworthy & notorious individuals whose wealth originated from William & Elizabeth Levy. In 1817 their “disorderly house” attracted the attention of a House of Commons enquiry but their descendants were more circumspect in their careers becoming lawyers, QCs, Military heroes, actors, artists and adventurers! The book “Wealth & Notoriety” about the family makes for fascinating reading with detailed information of the extended family and is a must for the next owner of the Bentley. In 1954 whilst dining with his family at Cheyne Walk thieves entered the upper storey of the property and stole furs and jewellery amounting to some £1,300 without disturbing the diners. After a few year BC38D was with Guy Howard Martineau of French ancestry whose family were involved in banking, brewing, textiles and politics. In 1930 Howard Martineau and his family acquired the rights to the UK branch of the French firm Salmson Motors (the Martineau brothers were very involved in the car racing scene of the 1920s and often competed against each other and Malcolm Campbell). The Salmson Motor company initial started as manufacturers of aero engines but they also produced a small quantity of cars – the Salmson 12/70 S4C, the S4D & the 20/90 S6D with versions including saloons, tourers & drophead coupes – all production of cars ceased prior to WWII with the firm concentrating on the war effort. The third owner was Gilbert Nelson Southall of GN Southall Securities who died at his home of 98 Eaton Square at the young age of 54 leaving a small fortune of some £ ¾ million to his widow Betty. During the 1960s BC38D was with Aubrey Forshaw, MD of Pan Books and legend would have it the inspiration for the cars that James Bond, 007 drove! Ian Fleming wrote the following dedication into the flyleaf of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service “To Aubrey, who wrote some of it! From Ian. As Aubrey was a keen motorist he was Ian Fleming’s expert for technical information concerned Bond’s cars hence the inscription.